ARLnow.com | ARLnow

Morning Notes

Published April 24, 2013 at 9:15AM

Bluemont to Vote on Safeway Development — Members of the Bluemont Civic Association will vote tonight on a proposed mix-use development on the current Safeway site. The development includes a new Safeway store and a 160-unit apartment complex. Many residents have expressed concerns about the height of the development, but Bluemont resident Ryan Arnold writes that “the character of a neighborhood is not defined by the height of its buildings, but by the spirit of its people.” [Greater Greater Washington]

Arlington Runner Raises Money for Boston Victims — Frank Fumich, a local runner, ran a 19 hour 38 minute triple marathon along the Mt. Vernon Trail over the weekend in order to raise money for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. Fumich raised more than $33,000 with the 78.6 mile run. [Washington Post]

Schools

Proposed APS Budget Trims Maintenance, Boosts Bus Funding

By ARLnow.com

Published April 23, 2013 at 5:40PM | Updated April 23, 2013 at 6:03PM

The School Board had asked for an additional 0.5 cent tax increase dedicated to school funding, in addition to the County Manager’s proposed 3.2 cent tax increase. In the end, the County Board approved a 3.5 cent increase, only 0.3 cents more than the manager’s proposal — and that increase will be split by the county and the school system.

With an earlier version of its proposed budget now facing a shortfall of $1.4 million, the School Board cut about $600,000 from the minor construction/major maintenance fund, and another $600,000 from the school system’s reserve fund. Even with the cuts, however, the maintenance and construction fund and the reserve fund are both set to receive more than $7 million apiece in the budget.

News

UPDATED: Suspicious Package Inspected in Pentagon City

By ARLnow.com

Published April 23, 2013 at 2:20PM | Updated April 23, 2013 at 3:22PM

Update at 3:20 p.m. — The package has been determined to be non-hazardous and the all-clear has been given.

Earlier: Arlington County’s bomb squad is on the scene of a suspicious package outside the Pentagon City Metro station.

News

Z-Burger Now Open in Virginia Square

By ARLnow.com

Published April 23, 2013 at 1:55PM

After more than two years of construction, Z-Burger has finally opened its new restaurant in Virginia Square.

The D.C.-based local burger chain opened its first Arlington location, at 3325 Wilson Blvd, to the public over the weekend.

Feature

NOVA Legal Beat: DUI While Sleeping in Car?

By ARLnow.com

Published April 23, 2013 at 12:30PM | Updated April 29, 2013 at 9:23AM

Editor’s Note: This new sponsored Q&A column is written by Mathew B. Tully of Tully Rinckey PLLC.

Question: A couple of weeks ago I was out with my buddies and had a few drinks. Instead of taking a cab home, I decided to take a nap in my parked car until I sobered up. The next thing I know an officer is knocking on my window, giving me a sobriety test, and arresting me for a DUI. My keys were in the ignition because I was listening to the radio, but the engine wasn’t turned on. How can I be charged with a DUI if I wasn’t even driving?

Around Town

Bike Shelters Installed Outside Clarendon Metro Station

By ARLnow.com

Published April 23, 2013 at 11:25AM

The county’s BikeArlington program posted the following photo of one of the shelters on Facebook.

“The temporary rack assembly shown here will be replaced this week with 12 permanent racks,” BikeArlington said. “The two bike shelters are designed to accommodate 12 racks each, which together will provide cover for up to 48 bikes.”

Opinion

Morning Poll: Rising Rents to Start Falling?

By ARLnow.com

Published April 23, 2013 at 9:55AM

The bad news: you’re right. The Washington, D.C. area has the second-highest rent of any large metropolitan area in the country, according to the 2010 U.S. Census.

At a median rent of $1,391 per month, the region’s rent is more expensive than San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles, and second only to San Jose. Adding to the misery, D.C.’s rent has been rising faster than any other large metro area, according to the Washington Examiner.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published April 23, 2013 at 8:35AM

Bomb Squad to Receive Protective Vest Donation — The Arlington County Fire Department’s bomb squad will receive a donation of two tactical protective vests next Tuesday. The vests will protect bomb squad personnel in explosive-related situations. Worth nearly $20,000, the vests are being donated by Firehouse Subs.

Lander Defends His Record — School Board member James Lander, who’s running for re-election and facing a challenge for the Democratic endorsement, is defending his record when it comes to school redistricting, student transportation and his support of Superintendent Dr. Pat Murphy. Lander says he “will continue to press for ways to improve student achievement and address the needs of a growing school population without breaking the bank.” [Sun Gazette]

Events

Arlington Agenda (April 22-28)

By ARLnow.com

Published April 22, 2013 at 5:00PM | Updated April 25, 2013 at 11:49AM

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County.

If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form. Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

News

Board Passes Fairlington-Shirlington Conservation Plan

By ARLnow.com

Published April 22, 2013 at 3:35PM | Updated April 22, 2013 at 7:05PM

The Board unanimously approved the plan, which updates a previous plan that was passed in 1987. The new plan seeks to protect the communities from traffic impacts, maintain public infrastructure and foster a sense of community. It was created over the course of eight years with the help of community input.

“The program reflects the County’s belief that no one understands what a neighborhood needs better than the people who live there,” County Board Chair Walter Tejada said in a statement. “The County Board thanks the residents of Fairlington-Shirlington for working for eight years to produce this thoughtful, realistic plan to help ensure this area of the County will remain a great place to live for decades to come.”

Around Town

Construction Underway at Pentagon Row

By ARLnow.com

Published April 22, 2013 at 2:35PM

A plywood perimeter has been erected around the plaza at Pentagon Row as heavy construction has gotten underway on a major renovation project

A backhoe and other construction equipment being used to excavate the center of the plaza. So far outdoor restaurant seating has remained open at the plaza, but instead of overlooking the center courtyard, the view from the outdoor patios is blocked by plywood boards around the construction. Today, those board were being painted black.

News

Modell’s Sporting Goods Coming to Pentagon City

By ARLnow.com

Published April 22, 2013 at 1:15PM

A new Modell’s Sporting Goods store is coming to part of the former Borders book store space in Pentagon City.

Interior construction is currently underway on the store, which is located in the Pentagon Centre shopping center (1201 S. Hayes Street), next to the CVS Pharmacy that opened last year. No word yet on when Modell’s plans to open.