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

ACFD staffing shortages prompt Ballston area fire engine to go out of service

By Dan Egitto
An Arlington County Fire Dept. engine in 2020 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A fire engine in the Ballston area was out of service last night due to understaffing at the Arlington County Fire Department.

Engine 102 was ACFD’s busiest fire engine last year, responding to over 3,400 calls. As the department continues to grapple with high vacancy rates, however, the equipment was temporarily “browned out” — impacting firefighters’ ability to respond to medical calls as well as fires.

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Events

Event spotlighting startups and tech happening in Crystal City tomorrow

By Dan Egitto
D.C. Startup Week 2022 (courtesy of D.C. Startup and Tech Week)

One day of D.C. Startup and Tech Week is taking place in Crystal City tomorrow (Tuesday).

Kicking off at 10 a.m. at the National Landing Experience Center at 241 18th Street S., the full day of programming will cover topics including AI and business, Web3 and blockchain, and climate and sustainability.

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News

Bluemont residents trying to rebuild after house explosion seek zoning variance

By Dan Egitto
The empty lot at 846 N. Burlington Street after it was cleared (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The owners of one half of a Bluemont duplex that was destroyed in a December house explosion are attempting to rebuild.

The previous occupants of the currently empty lot on N. Burlington Street went before the Arlington Board of Zoning Appeals yesterday (Wednesday) with a proposal to construct a single-family detached house there.

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News

NEW: Extra DCA flights tentatively approved for these five cities

By Dan Egitto
An airplane touches down at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Five airlines have received tentative approval to run new long-haul flights out of Reagan National Airport.

The U.S. Department of Transportation yesterday (Wednesday) announced plans to approve flights to the following locations, granting each airline one extra round-trip flight per day.

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News

Arlington pipes declared lead-free, ahead of new EPA rule

By Dan Egitto
Tap water in a kitchen sink (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

While communities across the country are preparing to replace all lead pipes within the next decade, new regulations have little effect on Arlington.

The Environmental Protection Agency last week issued a final rule on lead pipes that is estimated to affect up to nine million homes — a multibillion-dollar project meant to substantially improve health outcomes, especially in children.

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News

Long Bridge project breaks ground, promising smoother rail commutes over Potomac

By Dan Egitto
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (left), Rep. Gerry Connolly, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine break ground on Long Bridge VPRA project (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A groundbreaking ceremony for a new two-track railroad bridge over the Potomac River took place yesterday (Tuesday) with several federal officials in attendance.

Attending the formal construction kickoff for the Long Bridge Project — part of a $729 million effort to reduce bottlenecks and improve reliability for commuters — were U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and other Northern Virginia congressional representatives.

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News

Recent pedestrian crashes on Langston Blvd underscore years of concerns

By Dan Egitto
"See me" flags at the intersection of Langston Blvd and John Marshall Drive in October 2024 (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Two recent crashes involving pedestrians have underlined longstanding concerns about traffic safety along Langston Blvd.

Both incidents — one involving a teenager and one involving a garbage truck that reportedly knocked a man unconscious — occurred along a 0.7-mile stretch of the highway that lacks traffic signals.

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News

New restorative justice program for survivors of abuse launches in Arlington

By Dan Egitto
Doorways' new Community Services Center in Ballston Tower (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

A new restorative justice program is focusing on the needs of people who have suffered domestic and sexual violence in Arlington.

The pilot initiative, launched by the nonprofits Restorative Arlington and Doorways through a $1.5 million federal grant, offers more pathways to justice for survivors of intimate partner violence, stalking and dating violence.

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News

Jennie Dean Park expansion plan calls for another tennis court and more green space

By Dan Egitto
Renderings of the proposed expansion to Jennie Dean Park (via Arlington County/YouTube)

A second tennis court, a new lawn and additional greenery are all included in Arlington’s latest plans for improvements to Jennie Dean Park.

Respondents have until Thursday, Oct. 31 to submit feedback on the expansion proposal, which follows a $15.5 million renovation of the 80-year-old Green Valley park in 2022.

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News

Police union: Crime is up in Arlington and officers are being attacked

By Dan Egitto
Police response to theft and shot fired on N. Vermont Street near Ballston (staff photo)

Arlington’s police union is calling for better pay following increases in some violent crimes and two incidents where suspects allegedly fought police.

As of last week, the Arlington County Police Department has 61 vacancies or a 16.2% vacancy rate, Randall Mason, president of the Arlington Coalition of Police, told ARLnow.

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Around Town

#FlakeNews: Snowplow naming contest kicks off in Arlington

By Dan Egitto
Plows clearing snow on Cherry Hill Road (staff photo by James Jarvis)

From “Snowy-Wan Kenobi” to “#FlakeNews,” Arlington is seeking suggestions on whimsical names for this year’s fleet of snowplows.

Members of the public have until Monday, Oct. 21 to submit “the most clever and pun-filled (yet appropriate) names” for the plows that will clear the county’s streets in the event of at least two inches of snowfall.

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News

Demolition begins on old Harris Teeter as Ballston redevelopment project advances

By Dan Egitto
Demolition of the former Harris Teeter at 600 N. Glebe Road (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Demolition has begun on the former Harris Teeter at 600 N. Glebe Road in Ballston.

The grocery store that relocated across the street this spring is now in the process of getting converted into temporary surface parking, Mary Senn, vice president of Southeastern Development Associates, confirmed.

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