Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. The ARLnow staff byline is used for the Morning Notes and reporting done by an editor or other member of our full-time staff.
Here in Arlington, real estate is a spectator sport. Let’s take a look at some of the smallest and largest homes sold last month (August 2024).
Largest homes sold
Meet Figaro, the newest Adoptable Pet of the Week!
This beautiful boy is looking for his forever home and is currently up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.
On a rainy Friday morning, an Arlington Circuit Court judge overturned a sweeping zoning change years in the making.
The ruling late last week sent a shockwave through the county, disrupting numerous planned developments and calling into question how the county government sets policies. “Missing Middle” opponents celebrated while supporters and at least one County Board member called for an appeal.
More from our reporting:
Judge David Schell ruled against the county on four counts this morning (Friday), finding that the county failed to adequately consider localized impacts, failed to follow proper procedure and violated state tree canopy requirements when adopting the amendments.
As of today, the county cannot lawfully issue any more permits under the Expanded Housing Option, which allowed for the construction of up to six-unit buildings on properties that were previously zoned for only single-family homes. […]
In a ruling read aloud from the bench, Schell referenced testimony from witnesses about possible wastewater backups and overflows that might result from the strain additional housing could place on stormwater and sewage infrastructure.
Although a county expert testified that Arlington does, in fact, have sufficient infrastructure to support anticipated growth, the judge found “no evidence presented that the county considered likely overflows” and other localized impacts.
All things considered, and putting aside your personal feelings about the zoning changes, do you agree with the ruling?
Weekend Fire in Ballston — A generator atop an office building at 4350 Fairfax Drive caught fire Saturday morning, prompting a large fire department response. The blaze was quickly extinguished. A power outage was also reported around the scene in Ballston that morning. [Twitter]
Coffey Reacts to EHO Verdict — From Arlington County Board member Maureen Coffey: “I’m incredibly disappointed by today’s ruling & firmly believe we must appeal it. I am proud to be a pro-housing elected official, the only renter on the Arlington County Board, & represent those who wonder whether they have a future in our community after living here for years.” [Twitter]
Library Celebrates Banned Books — “Banned Books Week, an annual, national observance established in 1982 in response to frequent attempts to have books banned, highlights the value of free and open access to information and runs through September 28. The Arlington Public Library is celebrating its own version: Freedom to Read Week.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Talking to the Cheese Lady — “So, in the middle of 2023, my husband Jeff and I said, let’s do something new. There’s more competition. There’s a Harris Teeter there [which includes a Murray’s Cheese counter]. Now, there may have been a time where you could support two Cheesetiques within two miles of each other. We don’t think that’s the case anymore, so let’s do a new concept. And moving in an Italian direction felt very comfortable because it was a world in which we already lived so much.” [Washington Business Journal]
F.C. Art Festival Extended — “‘Due to the serious nature of Hurricane Helene,’ Falls Church Arts’ ‘Scenes in the City’ Plein Air Festival – one of the City of Falls Church’s prized annual art shows – has been moved up to Oct. 12, from its earlier date of Sept. 28, giving outdoor artists in the prize-competition ‘additional time to paint,’ and, hopefully, better weather to complete their submissions.” [Falls Church Independent]
It’s Monday — Expect showers with a high near 70 and a northeast wind at 10 mph, with a 90% chance of precipitation and possible new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch. Monday night will see continued showers, a low around 62, northeast wind at 10 mph, 80% chance of precipitation, and potential new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. [NWS]
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Good Friday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Sep 27, 2024.
Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.
Here is what’s going on Saturday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Here are the events planned for Sunday:
The weather will transition from mostly cloudy to sunny, reaching a high of around 82°F with a south wind of about 7 mph. Saturday night will have a slight chance of showers and increasing cloudiness with a low of 67°F, accompanied by an east wind between 3-5 mph. The precipitation likelihood is 20%. See more from Weather.gov.
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”
– Milton Berle
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
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. 👋
Address: 1109 N. Potomac Street
Neighborhood: Madison Manor
Type: 4 BR, 2 (+2 half) BA single-family detached — 2,734 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,495,000
Noteworthy: Expanded Colonial with high-end kitchen in Cardinal Swanson Yorktown pyramid
Exceptional 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in the leafy Madison Manor neighborhood.
Desirable details include spacious family room open to chef-style kitchen with abundant cream cabinets, solid surface countertops, matte finish appliances, and wine chiller. French doors from dining room lead to screen porch and a second entry from the porch to the mudroom, and backyard. Main level office with built-ins and a powder room complete the level.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom features vaulted ceiling, multiple windows, fitted walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with soaking tub and double sink vanity. Three more bedrooms on this level along with an updated hall bathroom. The lower level has a big rec room and another powder room. Large laundry room with even more storage. Well landscaped lot with areas for play, sports, and gardening.
Walk to Madison Manor Park, the heart of the community, Westover Village, bike path, East Falls Church and Ballston Metro Station. An impressive home in pristine move-in condition.
Listed by:
Betsy Twigg
[email protected]
(703) 967-4391
Arlington’s real estate market reflects the broader community — it’s diverse, dynamic, and never boring.
This weekend’s local open houses offer a snapshot of Arlington’s wide variety real estate offerings, from affordable condos to multi-million dollar homes. One highlight: a $2 million house in Alcova Heights with exceptional additions including an elevator and solar panels.
Love ramen? Arlington has some great spots to enjoy it.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or graduating from making packets of noodles in your dorm room for the first time, these places offer some of the best ramen in town.
Check out the top picks for “Best Ramen Spot in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards, based on a mix of online reviews and ARLnow article views. Don’t see your favorite on the list? Feel free to write it in.
Voting closes in two weeks, so cast your vote and help highlight the best ramen spot in Arlington.
Don’t forget voting for Best Park in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote — or write in your own — before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on Arlington’s best new restaurant. The results are now official:
More on Green Pig Plans — “Lewis acquired both restaurants within the past year, having paid $900,000 for the Green Pig in January, and $600,000 for Buena Vida in February, with the intent of making more modest improvements to boost their profitability. When the bistro’s landlord moved to triple rent from $32 per square foot to $60 per square foot, the solution was clear.” [WBJ]
County Board Race Fundraising — “As of Aug. 31, Spain’s political action committee received a total of $167,132 in donations, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, which tracks campaign finance in the state. By comparison, Independent candidate Audrey Clement reported receiving $13,066, Forward Party candidate Madison F. Granger raised $7,082 and Republican Juan Carlos Fierro brought in $1,241.” [Patch]
More Equity Grants — “Arlington County, in collaboration with the United Way of the National Capital Area, has continued funding for an equity-based grant program, “RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community.” The program is designed to support local organizations’ efforts to address critical community needs.” [Arlington County]
Technology Awards for County — “Arlington was named the No. 1 County Overall in the nation by the Center for Digital Government for its 2024 Government Experience Award. Arlington also won the 2024 Commonwealth Technology Award from the Virginia IT Agency in the Innovative Use of Technology category for its Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) Document Search project launched earlier this year.” [Arlington County]
Speed Camera Update — “Speeding near some Arlington County public schools could cost drivers $100. Fines started Wednesday after the Arlington County Police Department installed 10 cameras in selected school zones last month… as of Sept. 23, the latest date available, warnings went out to just over 1,820 drivers.” [DC News Now]
Free Narcan in Arlington — “Thursday is ‘Save a Life Day’, a national campaign that started in West Virginia in 2020… ‘This year we are aiming to dispense over 101,000 boxes of Narcan across the country, as a whole,’ said Emily Siqveland, the Opioid Programs Manager for Arlington County. She told WUSA9 that this year, Arlington County is participating in the campaign for the first time.” [WUSA 9]
More on Green Energy Home — “Four decades ago, energy technology expert Scott Sklar decided to install solar-powered sump pumps in his Arlington, Virginia, home to keep his basement from flooding. Since then, he’s added solar panels and a wind turbine, turning his home into a clean, green, energy machine.” [WTOP]
More on GazetteLeader Acquisition — “We who toil in local newsgathering, and the business operation that supports it, have been on a wild ride over the past two decades. For our part, we can say without reservation or hesitation that the O’Rourke group is high-class and was a pleasure to work under. Departing the local market wasn’t an easy choice for them, but these things happen, and we wish our O’Rourke Media Group colleagues across the company (and country) the very best.” [GazetteLeader]
Trump Rally in Arlington — From the Arlington GOP: “Join WMAL’s Vince Coglianese and Arlington Republicans… Friday, September 27th… as we #TailgateTheVote for President Trump and our GOP candidates outside the Courthouse Early Voting site at 8am. Free coffee and donuts! Bring your yard signs, flags, and campaign swag!” [Twitter]
Nearby: Trump Car Rally — “Some local Donald Trump supporters will rev up their engines this Sunday (Sept. 29) as a display of enthusiasm for the Republican presidential nominee. Organized by activists from the D.C. area’s Vietnamese community… After meeting up, attendees will ultimately drive east to the Eden Center in Falls Church.” [FFXnow]
It’s Friday — Expect showers throughout the day, with patchy fog before 7am and possible thunderstorms after 5pm. The temperature will reach a high of 76°F, accompanied by east winds of 6-11 mph and gusts up to 23 mph. Tonight, showers and potential thunderstorms continue until 2am, while temperatures drop to around 70°F. Winds remain at 6-13 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. [NWS]
Good Thursday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Sep 26, 2024.
Here is what’s going on Friday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect showers throughout the day, with possible thunderstorms after 5pm and patchy fog before 7am. The temperature will reach a high of 76°F, accompanied by east winds of 6-11 mph and gusts up to 23 mph. Precipitation is likely at 70%, with rainfall amounts ranging from a tenth to a quarter of an inch. Tonight, showers and potential thunderstorms continue until 2am, while temperatures drop to around 70°F. Winds remain at 6-13 mph, gusting up to 22 mph, and an 80% chance of precipitation persists with comparable rainfall amounts. See more from Weather.gov.
“Success is not in what you have, but who you are.”
– Bo Bennett
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
Address: 4524 40th Street N.
Neighborhood: Golf Club Manor
Type: 4 BR, 4 BA single-family detached — 3,000 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,500,000
Noteworthy: Big 4 bedroom, 4 bath colonial on 12,000sf lot in Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown
Fresh paint, gleaming wood floors on three levels, main level office or fifth bedroom, family room off updated kitchen, and lower level rec room with doors to patio. Recent updates — 2024: new deck off family room; 2023: new air conditioning, microwave, dishwasher; 2020: new double pane windows throughout the home and new sliding doors to deck, garage door, updated hall bath, new storm doors.
Deep garage opening directly to large kitchen, featuring light wood cabinets, granite tops, and stainless appliances. Access from both dining room and family room allows excellent flow for gatherings or daily living. Fireplaces in rec room and living room. Private backyard with mature trees and landscaping.
Easy access to Washington and Maryland via nearby Chain Bridge, good reverse commute to Tysons, Reston, Dulles Airport and tech corridor. Good commute to government, military, and business centers in Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church.
A pristine home awaits the buyer who values space, value, and location.
Listed by:
Betsy Twigg — McEnearney Associates
[email protected]
(703) 967-4391
Flooded with email newsletters? Can’t stand Elon? Threads too boring? Facebook only surfacing random videos?
If you answered yes to all of those things, here’s some good news: there’s a brand new way to stay on top of everything Arlington.
