Katie Pyzyk | ARLnow

Morning Notes

Published January 7, 2014 at 8:30AM

Two of Three Dem Candidates Endorse Streetcar — Two of the three Democratic candidates for County Board — Alan Howze and Peter Fallon — have voiced support for the Columbia Pike streetcar project. The third Democratic contender — Cord Thomas — has concerns about the proposal. [Sun Gazette]

Lack of Decal in Fairfax Affects Arlington — Eight years ago Fairfax County became the lone jurisdiction in Northern Virginia to abandon car tax decals, and Arlington County Treasurer Frank O’Leary believes that’s costing Arlington $300,000. O’Leary said it’s too labor intensive to check every single vehicle parked in Arlington without a decal to determine if the vehicle is from Fairfax or if the owner didn’t pay Arlington taxes. [Sun Gazette]

News

Tires Slashed in Pentagon City on New Year’s Day

By Katie Pyzyk

Published January 3, 2014 at 2:45PM | Updated January 3, 2014 at 3:06PM

According to police, an unknown vandal or vandals slashed tires on six vehicles in the 400 block of Army Navy Drive between 5:00 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. on Wednesday. There is no suspect description.

This is the latest in a string of tire slashing sprees that has plagued Arlington over the past several months. Hall’s Hill was hit twice, first in November when 36 vehicles were affected and again in December when 40 cars were vandalized. In July, police investigated a string of slashed tire incidents on 16 vehicles — mostly Toyota Priuses — in the Cherrydale, Waverly Hills and Barcroft Park neighborhoods. About two weeks later, in August, 10 vehicle owners found their tires slashed in the Arlington View neighborhood.

Around Town

Sultana Grill Closes in Bluemont

By Katie Pyzyk

Published January 3, 2014 at 11:45AM

The restaurant had been open for a little more than a year. The restaurant’s phone number seems to be disconnected, based on the automated message ARLnow.com received when attempting to call.

A tipster who reported enjoying the restaurant’s Moroccan food said he asked what happened and restaurant staff reported the business had been hurt by the lack of having an alcohol license.

News

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

Published January 3, 2014 at 9:15AM

Campaign to Remove Confederate Name from Roads — An Alcova Heights resident has asked county officials to remove the name “Jefferson Davis” from Arlington roadways. He says its tie to slavery and segregation is offensive. County officials, however, point out that the removal process is complicated and would require state approval. [Sun Gazette]

Will Board Candidates Support the Streetcar? — There are questions regarding what will happen to the Columbia Pike streetcar project now that one of its biggest supporters — Chris Zimmerman — is stepping down from the Arlington County Board. So far, no candidates vying for his spot have come forward as outright supporters of the project, although two — independent John Vihstadt and Libertarian Evan Bernick — have voiced opposition to it. [Greater Greater Washington]

News

Storm Closes Schools, Knocks Out Power

By Katie Pyzyk

Published January 3, 2014 at 8:15AM | Updated January 3, 2014 at 10:01AM

The Arlington County government will still open on time. Federal government employees have the option for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework today.

The Arlington County Office of Emergency Management reports that trees and wires came down around the county during the overnight hours. Crews are currently on the scene of a large tree and wires down in the roadway at S. 23rd Street between S. Kent Street and S. Lynn Street. The road will be closed until the obstruction is safely removed. The incident has knocked out power to more than 500 homes, according to Dominion Power.

Around Town

Ballston Bailey’s to Remain Open but Change Locations

By Katie Pyzyk

Published December 20, 2013 at 2:30PM

There are plans, however, for it to move to a new location.

According to a Bailey’s employee, the bar is planning to stay in the Ballston Common Mall, but move into the old Union Jack’s space. The employee was not able to provide any further details about reasons for the move, but confirmed that the Ballston Bailey’s will remain open and will be the only one in the D.C. area.

Around Town

‘Soberman’ Tries to Save Clarendon Bar-Goers from DUI

By Katie Pyzyk

Published December 20, 2013 at 10:00AM | Updated March 21, 2017 at 11:43AM

It started on Thursday night with numerous police vehicles zooming into Clarendon with sirens blaring. Drivers pulled over and pedestrians stopped in their tracks. Suddenly, revelers were met with a most unusual sight — a superhero in a cape and leotard emerging from the Chooser Cruiser. Arlington, meet Soberman.

While his getup produced many laughs, Soberman’s message was serious: Don’t drink and drive. Speaking through a police car loudspeaker, Soberman told everyone to have fun and enjoy their adult beverages, but to make a smart choice when trying to get home by using a designated driver, taxi, public transportation or by walking.

Around Town

AAA Predicts Increase in Holiday Travel

By Katie Pyzyk

Published December 19, 2013 at 4:30PM

Nearly 2.4 million people, or about 41 percent of the metro region’s population, are expected to travel 50 miles or more during the time period from this Saturday, December 21, through Wednesday, January 1. That’s a small increase of 0.1 percent over last year. This will be the fifth consecutive year for such an increase, and the highest recorded travel volume for the winter holiday season.

“Unfortunately, a number of Washingtonians sat out three of the first four holiday travel periods of the year as an upshot of all the political drama in the nation’s capital and the economic stress it engendered. But they will not be denied nor deny themselves or their families during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel period,” said John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Manager of Public and Government Affairs.

News

Crime Report: Man Stabbed Near Ballston Metro

By Katie Pyzyk

Published December 19, 2013 at 3:00PM | Updated January 9, 2018 at 3:50PM

(Updated at 4:25 p.m.) A man reportedly was stabbed in the chest early Wednesday morning after exchanging words with his assailant near the Ballston Metro.

From this week’s crime report:

News

Police: Drive Safely During the Holidays

By Katie Pyzyk

Published December 19, 2013 at 11:00AM

ACPD reminds drivers to use seat belts, drive safely and pay attention to the roads. In addition to an increase in drunk drivers and distracted drivers around the holidays, police report 32 percent of drivers are more likely to drive more aggressively during this time.

Police had noticed an uptick in drunk driving incidents last month, just before Thanksgiving. During the Thanksgiving weekend alone, Virginia had 11 traffic fatalities. The ACPD hopes drivers will heed its safety message in order to avoid a similar scenario around the Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays.

Around Town

Bar Louie to Open Next Week

By Katie Pyzyk

Published December 19, 2013 at 10:00AM

Bar Louie will fill a 5,480 square foot space at 320 23rd Street S. formerly occupied by Memphis Barbecue. This will be the sixth Metro D.C. location for the Texas based chain. Bar Louie is known for signature martinis, but also features small plates, flatbreads, salads, burgers and sandwiches.

To celebrate its grand opening next Thursday (December 26), the bar and restaurant will host a three day celebration next week. From Friday, December 27 through Sunday, December 29, customers can enjoy drink specials and free food. Each customer will receive one free appetizer or flatbread just for stopping by. There are reportedly other surprises planned for the bash that have not been announced yet.

News

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

Published December 19, 2013 at 9:00AM | Updated December 19, 2013 at 11:05AM

Silver Line Predictions for Arlington — A new report indicates the Silver Line will transform Reston and Tysons Corner into transit-oriented cities, similar to what occurred along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor after the arrival of the Orange Line. “Our Man in Arlington” notes the Silver Line will increase competition for businesses in Arlington, but quotes the director of Arlington Economic Development, who believes the county can hold onto its businesses. Arlington is expected to experience other changes from the Silver Line, such as changes in frequency for Orange Line trains. [Reston Now, Falls Church News-Press]

Look at Proposed Metro Changes — Metro’s recently announced proposal for a downtown loop , which would include one Arlington “super station” at the Pentagon, is getting some more in-depth looks. Plus, Metro indicates the need for another new line Northern Virginia by 2040, due to anticipated significant crowding on the Silver and Orange Lines. [Washington Post, Greater Greater Washington]