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ARLnow Daily Debrief for Sep 22, 2023

Good Friday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Sep 22, 2023.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. Tow truck driver cited, car owner arrested after Ballston incident (17257 views)
  2. Missing teen found by tow driver who previously talked man down from ledge (13873 views)
  3. NEW: Prestigious national honor for local middle school (6695 views)
  4. A national software company acquired this homegrown Arlington business (6426 views)
  5. Heads up: There’s a flaming pile of trash in the middle of Wilson Blvd (6035 views)
  6. Silver Diner redevelopment teed up for Arlington County Board review this Saturday (5874 views)
  7. Corvette carjacked by armed suspects near Lyon Village (5870 views)
  8. Arlington man arrested in connection to Lyon Village hit and run (5816 views)
  9. Arlington man seriously hurt in fatal Beltway crash (5593 views)
  10. Clarendon Ballroom to hold street festival this weekend (4608 views)
  11. County poised to require drivers to come to a full stop for pedestrians in crosswalks (4347 views)
  12. NEW: Judgment in Missing Middle lawsuit likely one month away (4291 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

⛈️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect rain and possible thunderstorms after 3pm today, with a high near 63°F and strong winds from the northeast at 22-28 mph, gusting up to 48 mph. Precipitation is guaranteed, with 0.75-1 inch of rainfall. Tonight, anticipate more rain and potential thunderstorms with a low of 61°F. The breezy conditions continue, with winds at 16-25 mph and gusts up to 39 mph. There’s a 90% chance of precipitation and an additional 0.75-1 inch of rainfall. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
– Confucius

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋

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ACPD: Teen arrested after fleeing traffic stop for reckless driving

Police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)

(Updated at 2 p.m.) An Arlington teen of the same name as an 18-year-old convicted in a recent high-profile case has been arrested after allegedly fleeing from police.

Arlington County police say Kenan Owens, 18, was arrested Wednesday in Chesterfield County — near Richmond — on warrants for reckless driving and eluding.

The charges stem from an incident early Tuesday morning in which, according to police, an officer tried to pull over a vehicle seen driving well over the speed limit near the Columbia Pike and Washington Blvd ramps.

The driver allegedly fled the traffic stop and abandoned the car a few blocks away, in the Arlington View neighborhood.

More from ACPD:

RECKLESS DRIVING, 2023-09190035, Washington Boulevard at Columbia Pike. At approximately 6:10 a.m. on September 19, an officer initiated a traffic stop for reckless driving after observing the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed over the posted speed limit. The driver disregarded the officer’s emergency equipment and fled the area. The officer last observed the vehicle turning from Columbia Pike and subsequently located the abandoned vehicle in the 1400 block of S. Rolfe Street. After further investigation, officers determined the identity of the driver and obtained warrants for Kenan Owens, 18, of Arlington, VA for Reckless Driving and Eluding. He was located and taken into custody in Chesterfield County, VA on September 20.

Earlier this year, an 18-year-old Arlington resident named Kenan Owens was arrested by a SWAT team after triggering a lockdown at Wakefield High School. Police said at the time that he “was known to carry a firearm” and “had an ongoing dispute with” a student at the school.

Owens was charged with trespassing, stalking, having a loaded gun around children, altering a gun’s serial number and conspiring to distribute marijuana.

All but the trespassing and one of four gun charges was dropped. In June he was found guilty and sentenced to 12 months on both charges, with the entire sentence suspended on the gun charge and all but two months suspended on the trespassing charge, according to court records.

Arlington County police spokeswoman Ashley Savage was unable to confirm to ARLnow whether the 18-year-old Kenan Owens arrested this week was the same Kenan Owens — who will turn 19 in December — charged in the high-profile Wakefield incident. State law prevents the department from revealing details of a suspect’s prior criminal history in that manner, Savage said.

The charges from this week are not yet visible in the state court records system and Owens is not expected to be booked into Arlington’s jail, Savage said, after being released on a court summons in Chesterfield County.

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Glebe Road ditch eroded by major water main break set for repairs

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A severely eroded ditch along N. Glebe Road near Chain Bridge is set for some restoration work.

The Arlington County Board this weekend is expected to approve a contract of up to $1.2 million. At least part of that will be reimbursed by VDOT, which maintains the road.

The work follows a major water main break in November 2019, which damaged both the road and the roadside ditch.

More from a county staff report:

This project includes the restoration of the existing ditch located along the south side of North Glebe Road (Route 120) that was severely eroded following the 36” transmission water main break in November 2019. Arlington County Department of Environmental Services (DES,) Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the National Park Service (NPS) have partnered to implement this improvement and restoration project. The restoration includes 500 feet of the ditch downstream of the water main break and stabilization improvements for 1,000 feet of the ditch upstream of the break to be improved with Class II riprap, as well as new guardrail installation to replace a previous guardrail and temporary jersey wall and restoration of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which crosses this ditch in the downstream segment underneath George Washington Memorial Parkway.

The work also includes tree removal and planting/seeding, erosion and sediment control, and all other related incidental work described and required in the contract documents. Most of the work is planned to be performed at night utilizing an overnight road closure of North Glebe Road as outlined in the VDOT approved Temporary Traffic Control Plan. VDOT is reimbursing the County for the construction costs of the improvements located upstream of the water main break.

The report goes on to note that the county hired a consultant, Wetland Studies and Solutions Inc., to develop the repair plan.

Additionally, the report says the accepted bid — from Fairfax-based Bright Construction Group — is 13% higher than an engineer’s estimate, likely owing to complications caused by the rugged terrain and the work area being on both National Park Service and VDOT property.

…it is believed that the bidders perceived more risk and challenges in these bid items, which we consider fair given the unique challenges of this project area, where the contractor will be working on an actively flowing stream channel on NPS Lands, as well as within the narrow shoulder of a two-lane undivided VDOT-owned arterial roadway, North Glebe Road (US Route 120), that carries approximately 11,000 vehicles per day. For the work on Federal Lands and in VDOT right-of-way, the contractor will have to comply with restrictive NPS and VDOT permit requirements and perform all restoration as per each agency’s specifications.

The Board is scheduled to vote on the contract during its meeting this Saturday.

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Tropical storm to bring heavy rain and wind to Arlington this weekend

Expected tropical storm track (via National Weather Service)

(Updated at 4:20 p.m.) Enjoy the dry weather while it lasts — Saturday is set to be exceptionally wet and windy.

Tropical Storm Ophelia is brewing off the southeast U.S. and is set to make its way up the coast and right over the D.C. area. It will bring with it heavy rain and strong winds.

The rain is expected to start late tonight but the storm will be at its peak Saturday afternoon and evening.

Here in Arlington, flooding along the coastline is expected Saturday, and local streams may also top their banks due to several inches of rain.

“Widespread rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected, with localized amounts up to 5 inches possible,” the National Weather Service said in an advisory today. “This may result in isolated instances of flooding, especially for low lying and flood prone areas. The heaviest rain is most likely to occur Saturday into Saturday night.”

Those planning to attend outdoor events this weekend should keep an eye on the weather and monitor for possible cancellations.

The wind, meanwhile, could cause some power outage.

Expected tropical storm force winds (via National Weather Service)

NWS issued a Wind Advisory this afternoon for Arlington and other parts of the area, starting Saturday.

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM EDT SATURDAY…

* WHAT…Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. Gusts up to 50 mph are likely along the immediate shore of the Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Potomac.

* WHERE…Portions of central, northeast and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…From 8 AM to 8 PM EDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The combination of a long period of gusty winds and increasingly saturated grounds from rain will result in a higher likelihood for downed trees across the area.

NWS also previously issued Coastal Flood watches and advisories.

District of Columbia-Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-
850 AM EDT Fri Sep 22 2023

…COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 AM EDT SATURDAY…
…COASTAL FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT…

* WHAT…For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in low lying areas due to tidal flooding. For the Coastal Flood Watch, up to one foot of inundation above ground level possible in low lying areas due to tidal flooding.

* WHERE…Shoreline in the District of Columbia, Arlington County, and the City of Alexandria.

* WHEN…For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from midnight tonight to 6 AM EDT Saturday, especially around the time of high tide. For the Coastal Flood Watch, from Saturday morning through late Saturday night, especially around the time of high tide.

* IMPACTS…Shoreline inundation is expected along portions of the seawall adjacent to Ohio Drive and the Hains Point Loop Road and near the Tidal Basin. Water is expected to approach the curb near the intersection of King Street and Strand Street in Alexandria.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Tides one and a half to two feet above normal. The next high tide at Alexandria is at 1:59 PM and 2:19 AM. The next high tide at Washington Channel is at 1:41 PM and 2:01 AM.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.

While areas to the east are expected to see more significant impacts, local chapters of the American Red Cross said this morning that they’re gearing up for a disaster response.

More, below, via a press release.

Read More

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Morning Notes

Christmas trees on sale at Costco in Pentagon City this week (photo courtesy John Antonelli)

Funeral for Arlington Marine — “Funeral arrangements have been announced for Washington-Liberty High School graduate Spencer Collart… Visitation will take place on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home at 4510 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington. The funeral service will be Monday, Sept. 25 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 2609 North Glebe Road in Arlington. The graveside service will be held on Monday, Sept. 25 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery.” [Gazette Leader, Dignity Memorial]

Discussing Driving Change — “This weekend, the Board is set to enact changes to local ordinances requiring drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks” … “Jo Devoe from Arlington Now breaks down roadway rules.” [Fox 5]

Record Catches for Local Teen — “In recent weeks, Arlington resident Kasper Parfomak, age 14, set three records for catching the largest fish in his youth angler category in the D.C.’s Recreational Angling Records Program. And he has certificates as proof of his prizes. The three different species of fish were all caught in D.C. waters.” [Gazette Leader]

Costco Decks the Halls — From reader John Antonelli, who sent photos this week of Christmas trees and eggnog liquor already for sale: “From my trip to Costco yesterday in Pentagon City. It seems to get earlier and earlier every year and now you can get your Christmas hooch on early!”

It’s Friday — Expect partly sunny skies during the day with a high near 74°F and east winds ranging from 7 to 15 mph. At night, rain is likely after 2 am, with temperatures dipping to around 60°F. Winds from the northeast will blow at 11 to 16 mph, with gusts up to 24 mph. There is a 70% chance of precipitation. [Weather.gov]

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Listing of the Day: 4019 N. River Street

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Address: 4019 N. River Street
Neighborhood: Chain Bridge Forest
Type: 4 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached — 4,133 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,750,000

Noteworthy: Chain Bridge Forest Gem: Elegance Meets Everyday Comfort

Welcome to timeless elegance and modern comfort at this stunning 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence, with over 4,100 sq. ft. of living space, strategically nestled in the highly sought-after Chain Bridge Forest neighborhood in Arlington.

As you set foot inside, you’re warmly greeted by a beautiful foyer that effortlessly flows into an expansive living room with custom details. Perfect for both intimate conversations and grand celebrations, the formal dining room stands ready to host memorable gatherings with sophistication. The large kitchen opens seamlessly to a comfortable family room anchored with a classic fireplace providing a welcome space to relax.

From the family room, step outside into a private backyard oasis, where a welcoming pool offers a slice of paradise. This secluded outdoor haven is not just a backyard; it’s a lifestyle experience that seamlessly integrates relaxation and entertainment. On the upper level of the home there are four spacious bedrooms and three full baths, along with a conveniently located laundry room. The generously sized primary suite is complemented by the en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet. Pristine two-car garage and easy main-floor access.

Sought-after public-school pyramid of Jamestown/Williamsburg/Yorktown. Situated minutes from top D.C. private schools and conveniently located close to Reagan National, this home keeps you connected. Nearby outdoor trails and the C&O Canal offer natural escapes. This Chain Bridge Forest home provides a unique blend of elegance and everyday comfort.

Contact us for a private showing and see how this property offers more than just a place to live — it’s a lifestyle.

Listed by:
Donna Hamaker — Buck & Associates
[email protected]
(703) 582-7779

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Sep 21, 2023

Good Thursday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Sep 21, 2023.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Friday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

🌥️ Friday’s forecast

The weather will be partly sunny during the day with temperatures reaching around 74°F, accompanied by moderate northeast winds ranging from 6 to 15 mph and gusts up to 18 mph. By Friday night, expect cloudy skies with rain likely after 3 am, a low temperature of 60°F, and stronger northeast winds at 11-15 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. There is a 70% chance of precipitation and we might receive between a tenth and a quarter of an inch of rain. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.

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Most and least expensive townhouses sold in Arlington (August 2023)

Here in Arlington, real estate is a spectator sport. Let’s take a look at some of the most and least expensive townhouses sold last month (August 2023).

Most expensive townhouses sold

  1. 2172 21st Ct N — North Highland — $1,720,000 (3 beds | 4.5 baths | 3,790 sq. ft.)
  2. 1731 22nd Ct N — North Highland — $1,705,000 (3 beds | 4.5 baths | 2,462 sq. ft.)
  3. 431 N George Mason Dr — Ballston — $1,325,000 (5 beds | 4.5 baths | 3,223 sq. ft.)

Least expensive townhouses sold*

  1. 901 S Rolfe St Unit 1 — Penrose — $440,000 (2 beds | 1 baths | 1,224 sq. ft.)
  2. 2701 16th St S Unit 640 — Arlington Village — $455,000 (2 beds | 1 baths | 994 sq. ft.)
  3. 1400 S Barton St Unit 431 — Arlington Village — $465,000 (2 beds | 1 baths | 1,086 sq. ft.)

*Minimum home value of $200,000 set to exclude certain land sales, retirement condos, properties with expiring ground leases, etc.

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Adoptable Pet of the Week: Tiger

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Give a round of applause to Tiger, the newest Adoptable Pet of the Week!

This fluffy, longhaired guy is gorgeous and ready to find a family to call home. He is currently in shelter at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.

This is what his friends had to say:

This lovable striped 1-year-old is looking for a home to call his own. He’s a laid-back boy who has truly mastered the art of relaxation. Set him up in a sun-soaked window sill, and you can bet that he’ll find the perfect spot to curl up and unwind.

One of Tiger’s favorite pastimes is being pampered with belly rubs. He’s not just content with a casual pat; he’s a full-fledged belly-rub aficionado. In fact, there’s seemingly no limit to the amount of petting he can enjoy. He also loves to be groomed, so get your brushes and get ready for some quality bonding time.

Tiger has lived with children in the past, and as long as boundaries are respected, they should be able to live harmoniously in the future.

Despite being named Tiger, this handsome fellow boasts a striking resemblance to a lynx with his stunning tufted ears and captivating gaze. Don’t let his lynx-like appearance fool you — Tiger is a gentle and affectionate companion at heart.

His favorite pastime is curling up in a cozy spot beside you, purring contently as you stroke his luxurious coat. With his soft, plush fur and endearing mannerisms, Tiger has a way of melting hearts wherever he goes.

Are you starry eyed? Then Tiger is the furry companion for you!

Learn more about Tiger and how to meet him by reading his complete profile.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with 2-3 paragraphs about your pet and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos.

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Corvette carjacked by armed suspects near Lyon Village

File photo

A man was carjacked by gun-wielding suspects early this morning at the Lyon Village Shopping Center.

It happened shortly before 12:30 a.m. near the 24-hour CVS store, according to scanner traffic. The suspects could be seen fleeing down the Spout Run Parkway in a traffic camera video posted by local public safety watcher Dave Statter.

The man also reportedly had his phone and wallet taken.

More, below, from today’s Arlington County Police Department crime report.

CARJACKING, 2023-09210006, 3100 block of Langston Boulevard. At approximately 12:26 a.m. on September 21, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the male victim was walking to his parked vehicle when the suspect vehicle approached and the male suspect exited. The suspect approached the victim while brandishing a firearm and demanded his vehicle. The suspect then pushed the victim to the ground and stole his keys, wallet and personal items. The suspect then fled the scene in the victim’s stolen vehicle, a blue 2023 Chevrolet Corvette bearing Virginia tags TYG4480, followed by the suspect vehicle, a gray sedan, which had approximately three occupants. The victim sustained minor injuries and declined medical attention.

This is at least the 14th carjacking reported in Arlington so far this year. That would equal the total number of carjackings reported in 2022.

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Morning Poll: Ban TikTok?

TikTok on a phone (Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash)

Virginia’s Attorney General has authored an amicus brief supporting the ban of TikTok on a statewide level.

The short-form video app, which is especially popular with younger users, is set to be banned next year in Montana. In response to a federal lawsuit challenging the ban, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares — joined by 17 other GOP state attorneys general — says the ban should be legal as it amounts to a “garden variety consumer protection statute.”

More from a press release:

Attorney General Jason Miyares filed an amicus brief, joined by 17 other state attorneys general, in support of the State of Montana’s law banning the popular app ‘TikTok.’ Montana’s action protects its citizens’ privacy from TikTok’s relationship with China and the Chinese Communist Party, and its citizens’ wellbeing from the proven physical and mental health detriments the app has on young children.

“Montana’s elected officials voted to ban TikTok, and Montanans voted to elect their representatives. This legislation is a result of the will of the Montana voters,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares. “We know TikTok poses a threat to our privacy and security because of its connection to the Chinese Communist Party, and study after study shows the app harms our children’s mental health – especially young girls. Montana has the right to protect its citizens.”

In March, Attorney General Miyares joined 45 states and the District of Columbia in asking a state court to order social media company TikTok, Inc. to fully comply with an ongoing investigation into whether the company violated consumer protection laws. As part of the multistate investigation, the state attorneys general sought to review internal TikTok communications to determine whether the company engaged in deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable conduct that harmed the mental health of TikTok users, particularly children and teens.

Earlier this year Virginia banned TikTok and some other apps of Chinese origin from state-owned devices and networks, including on college campuses.

While a total ban does not appear likely in Virginia, would you support a ban if one was proposed?

Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

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