ARLnow.com | ARLnow

Published February 19, 2015 at 6:35PM

The accident happened at the exit 8A ramp off of northbound I-395, near Pentagon City. Two travel lanes and the ramp are blocked approaching the scene.

Initial reports suggest that it’s a single-vehicle accident involving an overturned SUV. The driver was able to get out of the overturned vehicle on his or her own power, according to scanner traffic.

News

Donnellan Proposes $1.16 Billion Budget, No Change in Real Estate Tax Rate

By ARLnow.com

Published February 19, 2015 at 12:25PM | Updated February 19, 2015 at 2:18PM

The budget keeps the county’s current real estate tax rate — of $0.996 per $100 in value — the same, but would result in a net tax hike for homeowners thanks to property assessment increases.

The county’s real estate tax base has increased 3.4 percent, thanks largely to a 4.9 percent increase in single family home assessments and a 4.7 percent increase in apartment building assessments. (New construction added over 0.7 percent to the base.)

Around Town

Cold Weather Setting Off Fire Alarms at Clarendon Apartment Building

By ARLnow.com

Published February 19, 2015 at 11:00AM

At The Market Common apartment building in Clarendon, the cold weather is causing fire alarms to go off repeatedly, thanks to exposed sprinkler heads bursting in the parking garage.

The alarms are apparently going off in Market Common Clarendon retail stores and restaurants, as well.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published February 19, 2015 at 9:00AM | Updated January 16, 2018 at 2:32PM

School Board Says No to Wilson School Historic Status — Any hope preservationists had of salvaging pieces of Rosslyn’s Wilson School are likely dashed. The Arlington School Board voted last night, during an abbreviated meeting, to reject the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board’s proposal to give the Wilson School, built in 1910 at 1601 Wilson Blvd, historic protections. It has been renovated in the interim, and school officials contend the renovation diminishes its historic value. [InsideNova]

Cops Looking for Crime-Fighting Cabbie — Arlington police are trying to find a cab driver who helped them make an arrest in Pentagon City Tuesday night. An officer was trying to chase down a man suspected of stealing from a store in Pentagon City mall when the cab pulled up and the driver told the officer to hop in. The cab drove up to the suspect and the officer got out and made the arrest — but the driver left the scene before police could thank him and pay the fare. [WJLA]

Weather

UPDATED: Wind Chill Advisory Issued

By ARLnow.com

Published February 18, 2015 at 5:05PM | Updated February 18, 2015 at 10:56PM

(Updated at 10:55 p.m.) Arlington County is under a Wind Chill Advisory throughout the day Thursday and much of Friday morning.

Wind chills are expected to fall below zero tonight, creating dangerous conditions for anybody spending time outside without proper clothing.

News

Jay Farr to Serve as Acting Police Chief

By ARLnow.com

Published February 18, 2015 at 4:25PM

Scott announced last month that he would retire effective March 20, after serving as Arlington’s police chief for 12 years. In a memo to police department employees sent Friday, County Manager Barbara Donnellan said Farr will fill in as chief while the county looks for a permanent replacement.

“I know many of you may also be wondering about leadership in the interim, and I am pleased to announce that I am appointing Deputy Police Chief Jay Farr as Acting Police Chief effective March 20, 2015 while we conduct our search,” Donnellan write. “Please continue to support him as you have Chief Scott. This time of transition is an opportunity for us to pull together and continue to work for the good of the community.”

News

Cord Thomas Won’t Run for County Board

By ARLnow.com

Published February 18, 2015 at 3:15PM

Thomas, who ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic County Board nomination last year, made the surprise announcement via Facebook this afternoon.

“To my friends and supporters, I want to thank you for the kind support and encouragement to run for the Arlington County Board,” Thomas said. “While my enthusiasm to represent our community remains, I have decided not to run in 2015.”

Arlington Pet of the Week: George

Published February 18, 2015 at 12:30PM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is George, a curious kitten who’s currently hunkering down for his first winter.

Here’s what owners Scott and Jami had to say:

Opinion

Morning Poll: Grade the County’s Snow Removal Effort

By ARLnow.com

Published February 18, 2015 at 10:35AM

About 4-5 inches of snow fell in Arlington Monday night and Tuesday morning.

County crews worked throughout the night and day to clear primary and secondary roads, before starting to tackle neighborhood streets. Compared to past, disruptive snowstorms, they had some things working in their favor:

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published February 18, 2015 at 9:30AM

Police Investigating Apartment Break-In, Fire — A man has been arrested and accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment and starting a small fire. The incident happened on the 1200 block of S. Scott Street, just off of Columbia Pike, Monday morning. [Washington Post]

Arlington Trying to Keep TSA — After losing the National Science Foundation and the Fish and Wildlife Service to Alexandria, Arlington County officials are stepping up their efforts to keep the Transportation Service Administration. The TSA currently has offices in Pentagon City, but at least one office owner is trying to lure the agency to Alexandria. [Washington Business Journal]

Weather