Author: James Jarvis

James Jarvis covers county government, schools local politics, business openings, and development for both FFXnow and ARLnow. Originally from Fauquier County, he earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College and his master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Previously, he reported on Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier counties for Rappahannock Media/InsideNoVa.

Around Town

Metro 29 Diner reopening after sewer line repairs

By James Jarvis
Metro 29 Diner (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Metro 29 Diner says it is reopening today (Friday) following a closure that lasted several weeks due to plumbing issues.

Earlier this week, ARLnow reported the restaurant could remain shuttered for up to a month, as it awaited a permit to repair a clogged sewer line located along N. Albemarle Street, adjacent to the restaurant.

Go to Metro 29 Diner reopening after sewer line repairs Read more
Around Town

Big Tony’s Pizzeria & Dive Bar opens in Clarendon, replacing Bronx Pizza

By James Jarvis
The exterior of Big Tony's Pizzeria & Dive Bar in Clarendon (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Bronx Pizza is back in Clarendon under a new name: Big Tony’s Pizzeria & Dive Bar.

Last May, the pizzeria closed its doors with little warning after doing business for more than a decade.

Go to Big Tony’s Pizzeria & Dive Bar opens in Clarendon, replacing Bronx Pizza Read more
Around Town

Ribbon-cutting for completed Westover stormwater vault to be held this weekend

By James Jarvis
Construction on the stormwater vault at Cardinal Elementary School (via Dept. of Environmental Services/YouTube)

A large, $18 million stormwater vault underneath Cardinal Elementary School in the flood-prone Westover neighborhood is now complete.

The vault responds to community concerns that arose after significant flooding washed over Westover in July 2019.

Go to Ribbon-cutting for completed Westover stormwater vault to be held this weekend Read more
Around Town

Clarendon’s Bar Ivy now open ‘morning, noon and night’ with new breakfast options

By James Jarvis
The outdoor space at 3033 Wilson Blvd in 2022 (courtesy photo)

In honor of its new breakfast menu, Clarendon eatery Bar Ivy is offering free coffee this week to customers who buy their new bagel sandwiches.

The RAMMY-nominated restaurant, which opened last year, announced Tuesday that its doors will now open at 7:30 a.m. from Tuesday through Saturday, with a new menu of bagel sandwiches and specialty coffee drinks.

Go to Clarendon’s Bar Ivy now open ‘morning, noon and night’ with new breakfast options Read more
Around Town

Revamped, food-centric Crystal City Water Park set to open next week

By James Jarvis
Crystal City Water Park at night (courtesy Scott Suchman)

After nearly three years of waiting, the Crystal City Water Park is slated to reopen next week, JBG Smith announced yesterday.

The newly renovated, privately owned 1.6-acre park will feature nine restaurant kiosks, a cocktail and oyster bar, seating areas, public art installations, new water features — including a water wall — and a live performance stage.

Go to Revamped, food-centric Crystal City Water Park set to open next week Read more
Around Town

A $4 million renovation of Ballston Wetlands Park is officially complete — and beavers returned for the occasion

By James Jarvis
The newly renovated Ballston Wetlands Park in September (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The restoration of Ballston Wetlands Park is officially complete and the park is now open to the public.

Arlington County officials and community members marked the occasion today (Tuesday) with a ribbon-cutting.

Go to A $4 million renovation of Ballston Wetlands Park is officially complete — and beavers returned for the occasion Read more
Around Town

Metro 29 Diner faces uncertain timeline for reopening due to faulty sewer line

By James Jarvis
Metro 29 Diner (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Metro 29 Diner will remain closed for at least another week, and possibly upwards of a month, due to a serious plumbing problem.

Peter Bota, the owner of the nostalgic New York-style diner, says it all started a few weeks ago after the restaurant’s grease trap — a plumbing device that separates grease, oil and excess food from wastewater — started malfunctioning.

Go to Metro 29 Diner faces uncertain timeline for reopening due to faulty sewer line Read more
News

County Board approves additional $200k request for courtroom renovation project

By James Jarvis
Arlington County courthouse on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Costs are creeping up for a courtroom makeover in Arlington.

County Board members approved an extra $200,000 this past Saturday to complete renovations in Courtroom 10B, a project ambitiously dubbed the “courtroom of the future.”

Go to County Board approves additional $200k request for courtroom renovation project Read more
Around Town

Local nonprofit set to expand neurodivergent job training program with federal grant

By James Jarvis
Sen. Mark Warner visits Melwood Disability Services facility in Arlington Sept. 22 (courtesy of Office of Sen. Mark Warner)

(Updated at 4:10 p.m.) A local nonprofit specializing in job placement for disabled individuals is drawing on federal funding to expand its services.

Melwood Disability Services, a Maryland-based organization that operates a facility in the Aurora Highlands neighborhood, has received a $307,000 federal grant aimed at expanding enrollment in its 14-week neurodiverse job training program, abilIT, by subsidizing associated costs.

Go to Local nonprofit set to expand neurodivergent job training program with federal grant Read more
News

Amid shutdown fears, Rep. Don Beyer emotional letters from government workers

By James Jarvis
U.S. Capitol (photo by Hallie LeTendre)

Amid fears of a government shutdown, Rep. Don Beyer (D) is urging colleagues to remember the federal workers who would lose their paychecks if no spending plan is passed.

Yesterday, House Republicans recessed for a week after failing to pass a bill to stave off a shutdown. That could happen if lawmakers on Capitol Hill do not reach a deal before the federal government runs out of money next Saturday, Sept. 30 at midnight.

Go to Amid shutdown fears, Rep. Don Beyer emotional letters from government workers Read more
News

County Board poised to allocate funding for more upgrades to Bluemont Junction Trail

By James Jarvis
Bluemont Junction Trail (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

This weekend, the Arlington County Board is set to consider a proposal to funnel nearly $400,000 into the second phase of the Bluemont Junction Trail safety project.

Phase 2 includes moving and updating three trail connectors to be accessible to people with disabilities and improving cyclist and pedestrian intersections between the W&OD Trail and the Four Mile Run Trail on both sides of Wilson Blvd, per a county report.

Go to County Board poised to allocate funding for more upgrades to Bluemont Junction Trail Read more
View More Stories