Katie Pyzyk | ARLnow

County Names New Housing Director

Published June 28, 2013 at 1:30PM

Cristeal has served as the County’s Housing Development Supervisor for nine years. He is lauded for leading his team in enhancing and implementing affordable housing financing and planning tools, working with partners to leverage federal and state funding and making policy recommendations to address the county’s affordable housing challenges.

“The County conducted a nationwide search for this key position and had a strong pool of applicants,” said County Manager Barbara Donnellan in a press release. “We chose David because he has a solid track record of working successfully with Arlington community members and non-profit partners to plan and preserve affordable housing. We know he’s the right person to carry out Arlington’s aggressive affordable housing program.”

News

Board: No Competition from Proposed Alexandria Fitness Facility

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 28, 2013 at 11:30AM | Updated June 28, 2013 at 11:47AM

The Alexandria City Council discussed the proposal it received from The St. James Group LLC during its meeting on Tuesday. The plan involves a long term lease of the 15 acre city owned property currently occupied by Hensley Park.

The Alexandria proposal includes amenities such as an Olympic sized pool and water play area, climbing wall and racquetball courts. Those features had already been included in Arlington’s long term plan for Long Bridge Park.

News

Bus Schedule Changes Begin Next Week

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 28, 2013 at 10:00AM

Starting next week, some riders of the two major bus service providers in Arlington will notice schedule changes.

Metrobus will begin its service changes this Sunday, June 30. Different schedules will go into effect on various lines throughout the metro area, but the following are the major changes in Arlington:

News

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 28, 2013 at 9:00AM

Officials See Positives in Voting Rights Act Ruling — Although civil rights activists have expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Voting Rights Act earlier this week, some local officials see a few benefits in the decision. Election officials no longer need approval from the U.S. Department of Justice on election matters down to the precinct level. That will allow them to make decisions on the fly, such as extending absentee voting or holding a voter registration drive. [Sun Gazette]

State Reissues Arlington’s Municipal Stormwater Permit — The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) reissued Arlington’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. Arlington is the first municipality in the state to receive an MS4 permit that includes quantitative pollution reduction requirements to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The new permit is in effect through mid-2018, during which time Arlington is required to decrease its share of the nutrient and sediment reductions by five percent. [Arlington County]

Around Town

Union Jack’s Reopening, Only to Close

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 27, 2013 at 3:30PM | Updated October 2, 2013 at 12:24AM

According to a Union Jack’s employee, the pub’s last day in business will be on Monday, July 1. It has been in the Ballston Common Mall for about four and a half years.

The employee said a series of events led to the owners deciding to close the pub, including several pieces of equipment breaking down. The overall issue, however, is that the restaurant “just hasn’t been doing as well” as the chain’s other locations. All of the other locations will remain open, we’re told.

Weather

NWS Issues Tornado Watch

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 27, 2013 at 2:05PM

In light of strong storms that are expected to blow through the area this afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for the D.C. metro area, including Arlington. It is in effect until 10:00 p.m.

From NWS:

Around Town

Tom Yum District Opens in Rosslyn

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 27, 2013 at 12:00PM | Updated June 27, 2013 at 4:24PM

(Updated at 4:25 p.m.) Tom Yum District has become the latest addition to the Rosslyn food scene. Following test runs during a soft opening period and a grand opening party last night, the restaurant officially opened its doors to the public today at 1515 Wilson Blvd.

Co-owner Mel Oursinsiri and co-owner/chef Aulie Bunyaratapan have been working on the concept for more than two years. The idea is to offer Thai food in a fast, casual environment instead of at a traditional sit-down restaurant.

Events

Verve Pipe to Headline July 4th Celebration

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 27, 2013 at 10:45AM

Revelers can listen to The Verve Pipe while waiting to watch the fireworks display on the National Mall, which is expected to begin at 9:10 p.m. The band is known for its 90s hit “The Freshmen.”

The event runs from 3:00-10:00 p.m. next Thursday. Live entertainment kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with WAMMIE award winning band “The Grandsons,” followed by the Army Voices ensemble from the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and then D.C. area party band “Jeff from Accounting.”

News

Police Need Help Locating Charity Jar Burglar

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 27, 2013 at 9:55AM

Police have released photos of a man accused of carrying out a burglary at a local food mart with the hope that the public can help them find the suspect.

Surveillance cameras caught the suspect breaking into the Dominion Hills Food Mart (6035 N. Wilson Blvd) around 1:15 a.m. on June 14. The suspect apparently used rocks to break the glass out of the front door to get inside the store. Once inside, he allegedly took merchandise including Newport cigarettes and cash from a collection jar intended for charity.

News

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 27, 2013 at 8:55AM | Updated June 27, 2013 at 9:13AM

Firefly Festival on Sunday — All attention will be on the critters that light up the night at the 5th Annual Firefly Festival at Fort C.F. Smith Park (2411 24th Street N.) this Sunday, June 30. Activities include bug hunts, games, crafts, walks and talks about fireflies. There is a $7 charge per participant and children two and under are free. Attendees can bring a picnic to enjoy while waiting for the events at sundown. [Arlington County Dept. of Parks and Recreation]

Ducklings Rescued — Earlier this month, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington got some help from the Arlington County Fire Department with an animal rescue mission. Together they removed five ducklings that had become stuck in a storm drain. [Washington Post]

News

Teen Charged in Skateboarding Accident Death

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 18, 2013 at 2:00PM | Updated June 18, 2013 at 2:30PM

Police did not release the name of the 17-year-old Washington-Lee High School student, but said he was charged with reckless driving. Police say he was driving a truck while Malvar rode his skateboard and held on to the driver’s side window frame.

The accident happened on the 300 block of S. Highland Street. Malvar died from injuries he sustained after he lost his balance and fell, hitting his head on the pavement.

Weather

NWS Issues Flash Flood Watch

By Katie Pyzyk

Published June 18, 2013 at 1:15PM

The National Weather Service has included Arlington County in a Flash Flood Watch. The watch is in effect until 6:00 p.m.

From NWS: