Author: Dan Egitto

Dan Egitto is an editor and reporter at ARLnow. Originally from Central Florida, he graduated from Duke University and previously reported at the Palatka Daily News in Florida and the Vallejo Times-Herald in California. Dan joined ARLnow in January 2024.

News

Proposed cuts to Arlington rescue units prompt backlash from firefighter union

By Dan Egitto
Firefighters respond to a house fire in August 2025 (courtesy of Pat Kehs)

Arlington County’s firefighter union is speaking out against a proposal to remove four vacant firefighter positions from the payroll.

The current county budget draft proposes to consolidate the Arlington County Fire Department’s two heavy rescue companies, relocating them under a single roof at Fire Station 1 (500 S. Glebe Road). This would reduce ACFD’s total authorized staffing by four full-time employees.

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Around Town

Pizzeria Paradiso coming to Water Park in Crystal City this spring

By Dan Egitto
The planned Pizzeria Paradiso Pronto (and former Crush Pizza) at 1611 Crystal Drive (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

It’s a changing of the guard for pizza restaurants in Crystal City.

The regional pizza chain Pizzeria Paradiso is expected to open a new fast-casual spot in National Landing Water Park this spring, replacing Crush Pizza and Wine at 1611 Crystal Drive.

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News

Shirlington is getting wider sidewalks and more outdoor dining

By Dan Egitto
Renderings of planned changes in Shirlington (courtesy of Federal Realty Investment Trust)

A set of pedestrian-oriented upgrades to sidewalks, lighting and seating is getting underway in the Village at Shirlington.

Construction work, which was proposed in May 2025 and is intended to “improve connectivity, enhance public spaces, and preserve the property’s historic character,” is expected to last through November.

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News

Bill could bring Virginia’s first self-driving cars and trucks by 2028

By Dan Egitto
Virginia State Capitol in Richmond (staff photo)

Even if self-driving vehicles become legally possible in Virginia, they’d have to get through several more rounds of discussion and possible regulation before they could hit the road.

Sen. Saddam Salim (D-37), the chief patron of legislation in Richmond supporting autonomous trucking and ride-hailing services in Virginia, told ARLnow that his bill would establish a path forward for businesses like Waymo, but it would by no means be the final word.

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News

New proposal would convert former TSA headquarters into two residential buildings

By Dan Egitto
A planned office-to-residential conversion project at 601 and 701 12th Street S. (via Arlington County)

A long-delayed redevelopment of two office buildings in Pentagon City appears to have pivoted to an office-to-apartment conversion project.

A site plan application, filed last week at the vacant Transportation Security Administration office buildings at 601 and 701 12th Street S., would abandon plans to demolish the existing structures and rebuild.

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News

What would it take for Arlington to get Waymo robotaxis?

By Dan Egitto
A Waymo spotted in the Safeway parking lot on Langston Blvd (courtesy Jennifer Galloway)

The day might be coming when self-driving lifts will roam the streets of Arlington — but a couple legislative decisions would have to happen first.

Waymo, Google’s self-driving taxi arm that has been expanding in several other metro areas, has had its eye on the D.C. area for a while.

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Around Town

Bagel Uprising plans new Ballston location, starting friendly rivalry with Call Your Mother

By Dan Egitto
The planned Bagel Uprising location at 901 N. Glebe Road (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Some friendly carb competition appears to be coming to Ballston as a second bagel spot has announced plans to open on Glebe Road.

Bagel Uprising, based in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, plans to open its second location at 901 N. Glebe Road in May, co-founder Chad Breckinridge told ARLnow. That’s just half a mile from D.C.-based bagel chain Call Your Mother’s planned location at 4000 Wilson Blvd.

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News

Watchdog who raised alarm on sewage spill has long history of Potomac advocacy

By Dan Egitto
A view of Rosslyn over the frozen Potomac River in winter (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

One of the fiercest advocates for action and advocacy after last month’s mass sewage spill has a long background in fighting for the Potomac River.

Potomac Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks was one of the first at the scene of the burst Potomac Interceptor pipe in Montgomery County on Jan. 19.

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News

Joyce Motors redevelopment gets underway in Clarendon

By Dan Egitto
Demolition work at the Joyce Motors site in February (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Demolition has begun at the Joyce Motors site in Clarendon, and another nearby project may be getting underway soon.

The home of the longtime auto shop at 3211 10th Street N. has been fenced off and demo work was in full swing today (Tuesday) as crews broke and hauled debris under a towering crane.

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News

Sen. Warner seeks national edge on AI, while preparing for potential workforce disruptions

By Dan Egitto

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) hopes to maintain national competitiveness on AI while preparing the U.S. economy for potentially massive disruptions brought on by new technology.

Speaking yesterday (Monday) at the grand opening of a new Ballston office for the cybersecurity company KnowBe4, which focuses on human and AI risk management, the senator emphasized the need to prepare for sweeping technological changes and their impacts on society.

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News

Sharpshooters begin culling deer in eight Arlington parks

By Dan Egitto
A deer watching snowfall at Bon Air Park in 2025 (courtesy David Blue)

Arlington’s deer culling operations began this month with sharpshooting in parks along the Potomac River and Four Mile Run corridors.

For security reasons, the county doesn’t announce the specific dates and times of the culls in advance. However, Jerry Solomon, spokesperson for the Department of Parks and Recreation, told ARLnow that they will continue through March at eight natural land parks:

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Weather

Heavy snowfall possible Sunday night, as Arlington County and VDOT monitor forecast

By Dan Egitto
A snowy stroll in Cherrydale (courtesy anonymous)

Another winter storm could arrive in Arlington in a few days, but forecasts are still shaky going into the weekend.

As of this afternoon, the National Weather Service is predicting increasing odds of a winter storm warning going into effect on Sunday, and places Arlington at “elevated” risk for heavy snow and sleet.

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