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Back to the office: Arlington properties with an easy commute

By Sponsor
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This recurring real estate feature is sponsored by The Eli Residential Team. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service. This week’s post is written by Val Connolly.

Heading back to the office and feeling the commute creeping up on you?

Here’s the good news — Arlington offers the perfect spots for an easy commute. Whether you’re looking for a cozy condo or more space to stretch out, these turn-key homes make your transition easier than ever.

Here are a few listings that make for an easy commute:

Affordable studio within walking distance from the Rosslyn Metro, shopping and dining.

Prime location near Ballston Metro & vibrant city life — parking included!

Spacious den can serve as second bedroom, prime location, top amenities — walk to everything!

Located above the Hilton with direct Ballston Metro access. Sunroom with breathtaking views, perfect for an office.

Luxury new building with 10-ft ceilings, fantastic amenities with city views, and prime location just steps from Courthouse and Rosslyn Metro.

Perfect for those who prefer a townhouse over a condo — updated 3-level duplex in Penrose with private parking, minutes from the Pentagon and DCA.

Updated home with 2-car garage, private patio, and easy access to the Cherrydale Farmers Market. Convenient to major commuter roads and Arlington amenities!

Located in a quiet street just 2 blocks from the Ballston Metro and Ballston Quarter. Includes a 2 car garage.

Fully updated home with spacious outdoor area, walkable to Shirlington’s shops and dining. Easy access to 395, Pentagon, D.C., and public transit.

Charming gem in Lyon Park with amazing walkability and easy access to Metro — hard to find at this price for the location.

Turn-key home with outdoor space, situated on a spacious 7,883 sq. ft. lot backing to Fort Scott Park — close to DCA, Pentagon and Crystal City.

If you have any questions regarding these listings, or would like to schedule a private showing, please feel free to contact The Eli Residential Team or reach out to Val Connolly.

Celebrating Indigenous fashion at the National Museum of the American Indian

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Two gowns worn by Oscar-nominated actor Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) are on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

The special installation, “Making a Statement,” will be on view through March 2026.

Both gowns were a custom collaboration, designed by Gucci and Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) of Ironhorse Quillwork. The gowns were worn by Gladstone the evening of March 10, 2024, to the 96th Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscars party. Gladstone was the first Native American nominated for best actress for her work in the film Killers of the Flower Moon.

Join us for these weekend programs:

Public Programs
Free | National Museum of the American Indian

Friday, March 14, 7 p.m.
After Hours: Celebrating Indigenous Fashion

The museum hosts a special after-hours event in celebration of “Making a Statement.” Visitors can see the special installation, appreciate contemporary Indigenous fashion with a unique showcase, participate in hands-on activities by visiting teaching carts, and enjoy music by DJ Jon Ray all evening. Light food and beverages (including beer and wine) available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrating Indigenous Fashion

Celebrate the power and beauty of Indigenous fashion and design. Hear from Indigenous designers who create looks at the intersection of Indigenous tradition and contemporary fashion and support their work.

Visitors can get a close look at a first-of-its-kind collaboration between quillwork artist Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) and haute couture brand Gucci, and appreciate contemporary Indigenous fashion with a unique showcase.

Visit AmericanIndian.si.edu for event updates.

Open houses this weekend: March 7, 2025

By Sponsor
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This recurring Open Houses feature is sponsored by The Eli Residential Team. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service. This week’s post is written by Val Connolly.

With spring around the corner, it’s easy to daydream about sunny afternoons on the porch, coffee on the patio, fresh garden blooms, and strolls through your lovely Arlington neighborhood. If a home with great outdoor space is on your wish list, now’s the time to start looking.

Let’s take a look at some upcoming open houses in Arlington, below — your perfect spot might be waiting.

Single Family Homes

Townhomes

Condos

Want to beat the crowds? Let’s set up a private tour with Val Connolly of Eli Residential Group!

Let Eli and his team expertly guide you through the unique market dynamics in Arlington. Start by filling the form below. It will support ARLnow’s local news mission and you’ll get some perks in the process.

Small Business Focus: Celebrating black excellence with chef Rock Harper

By Sponsor
Chef Rock Harper

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

Arlington boasts a vibrant community of Black-owned businesses that significantly contribute to the county’s cultural richness and economic vitality.

Celebrating and supporting these enterprises honors Black heritage and fosters a diverse and thriving local economy. This past February, in partnership with the National Landing BID, we had the amazing opportunity to interview a leading entrepreneur in the community, Chef Rock Harper, with Queen Mother’s Kitchen, as part of the “Innovation Economy with Arlington Economic Development” podcast.

The robust discussion included all aspects of Chef Harper’s career, from mentorship to winning Hell’s Kitchen Season Three to why he chose Arlington as his first restaurant, launching Queen Mother’s in National Landing.

In keeping with supporting diverse entrepreneurs, please save the date of April 10 as BizLaunch and the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport will be hosting a Minority Vendor Showcase.

Vendor applications are currently open, and we invite all minority vendors to apply. The theme this year will be Food, Fuel, Fitness and Fun. The Showcase is an excellent opportunity to showcase your business to Hyatt Regency as many purchasing agents from the hospitality industry will be in attendance.

Legal Insider: Navigating a polygraph failure

By Sponsor

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq

The polygraph examination is a key component of the security clearance process for individuals seeking access to classified information in sensitive government positions, usually within the Intelligence Community (IC).

The test measures physiological responses — such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration — while the subject answers a series of questions. The goal is to determine whether the individual is being truthful, particularly about issues that could pose a security risk, such as drug use, criminal activity, or foreign contacts.

However, some applicants may find themselves in a situation where they fail the polygraph, either due to physiological reasons, anxiety, or other factors. Understanding how to handle this outcome is essential for safeguarding your clearance prospects. We represent individuals in polygraph and security clearance matters.

When is the Polygraph Exam Used?

Polygraph tests are typically used during the background investigation process for higher-level security clearances. They are discussed in Security Executive Agent Directive 2. In some polygraphs, the examiner asks a series of yes-or-no questions related to national security concerns, such as whether the applicant has committed espionage or had unauthorized contact with foreign nationals.

The test is meant to be one of many tools in determining a person’s reliability and trustworthiness. While polygraphs are not foolproof and can be influenced by a variety of factors — such as nervousness, medical conditions, or even the examiner’s approach — the results can have a significant impact on the outcome of a clearance investigation. A failed polygraph does not automatically result in disqualification, but it is an important red flag that must be addressed.

Failing a Polygraph Exam

If you fail a polygraph exam, it is important to remember that this does not necessarily mean the end of your security clearance process. The next step typically involves a follow-up interview with the agency conducting the investigation, where you may be asked to explain the results of the polygraph. During this interview, it is crucial to be honest, calm, and cooperative.

In some cases, polygraph results may be inconclusive or misinterpreted, and further clarification or re-testing might be necessary. If the failure is related to a specific issue, such as a misunderstanding or anxiety, providing evidence or context may help clear up any doubts. However, if there is a legitimate concern — such as involvement in illegal activities or a failure to disclose critical information during the background check — the results could jeopardize your eligibility for a security clearance.

Additional Steps & Subsequent Polygraph Examinations

If you are unable to pass the polygraph, you should take immediate steps to address the issue. First, consider requesting a second (or third) examination, especially if you believe that anxiety or other non-deceptive factors affected the results. You may also want to consult with a security clearance attorney with expertise in polygraph examinations who can help you understand the security clearance process.

If there are specific issues that led to the failure — such as a past criminal act or undisclosed financial problems — you must be prepared to address these concerns in a transparent and honest manner. Failure to do so could be interpreted as a lack of trustworthiness, which could ultimately harm your clearance prospects. In some cases it could lead to a Statement of Reasons proposing to deny a security clearance.

To avoid potential issues with a polygraph in future clearance applications, it is vital to maintain a high level of honesty and transparency throughout the process. Review your background information carefully and disclose any possible issues, even if they may seem minor. If you are particularly concerned about the polygraph or the questions you will be asked, consider preparing in advance by speaking with a security clearance lawyer who can advise you on how to handle the process.

Final Thoughts

A failed polygraph for a security clearance is a serious issue, but it does not necessarily spell the end of your clearance application. By understanding the polygraph process, being prepared to address any concerns in the aftermath, and seeking professional advice when necessary, you can increase your chances of successfully navigating this challenge.

The key to handling a polygraph failure is to remain honest, transparent, and cooperative throughout the process. With the right approach, you may still be able to resolve any issues and move forward in the security clearance process.

Contact Us

Our law firm represents and advises federal employees in various employment law matters. If you need legal assistance regarding a federal employment matter, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington: March 5, 2025

By Sponsor

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.

As of March 3, there are 122 detached homes, 24 townhouses and 154 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 29 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

3546 N. Utah Street

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

New wholesome menu additions come to Zazzy in Clarendon

By Sponsor
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Known for its fresh take on Lebanese street food, Zazzy continues to redefine Lebanese cuisine with fresh and flavor-packed offerings, further elevating the Zazzy experience.

The new lineup includes:

  • The hearty mix of seasoned shawarma bowl with vermicelli rice
  • The Shawarma Sandwich, a handheld protein favorite packed with marinated meat, crisp veggies, and signature sauce

Dip lovers can enjoy the All About Hummus selection, featuring a variety of richly topped hummus creations, or the Loaded Labneh, a creamy, tangy spread with pickled eggplants infused with aromatic spices and extra virgin olive oil.

While staying true to its Baked Never Fried philosophy, the Halloumi Pan offers perfectly baked halloumi with a crisp exterior and salty bite. Meanwhile, traditional Lebanese pastries make their way to the menu with Fatayer Cheese, a flaky baked pastry filled with melting cheese and herbs, and Fatayer Beef, a savory version stuffed with seasoned ground beef.

Whether stopping by for a fast casual or a full meal, you can enjoy delicious, guilt-free indulgence — always baked, never fried!

Stop by Zazzy at 1025 N. Fillmore Street and stay up to date by following @letszazzy.

Order Online Now!

Ask Eli: 2025 home design trends

By Sponsor

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.

Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.

Question: What design trends have you been seeing in the residential market lately?

Answer: Every year our marketing department does a deep dive into home design trends that multiple local and national design experts say to look for each year. Some of these trends last just a year or two, others take hold for years. Often, these trends reintroduce styles from decades ago (e.g. wallpaper resurgence) with small tweaks.

You can click this link to browse the full 2025 Design Trends e-booklet from RLAH Real Estate. I’ve pulled out a few highlights and personal favorites below…

Colors of the Year

Color trends have recently shifted towards an organic, natural look and all three 2025 Color of the Year selections from Pantone, Benjamin Moore, and Behr reflect that trend.

Colors Of The Year 2025

Return of the Formal Living Room

After years of buyers seeing formal living rooms and saying “what am I supposed to do with this room” we are finally seeing preference shift away from fully open spaces to more use-specific rooms like a formal living room free of TV and full of comfortable, elegant furniture to spend time with friends and family. It’s a room that can have its own unique personality where homeowners can take some design risk.

(more…)

Most and least expensive homes sold in Arlington (February 2025)

By Sponsor
4055 40th Street N. (Jessie Thiel, RAZR Group, Real Broker LLC)

This recurring Most and Least Expensive Home feature is sponsored by The Eli Residential Team. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service. This week’s post is written by Jean Ropp.

Here in Arlington, real estate is a spectator sport. Let’s take a look at some of the most and least expensive single-family homes sold last month (February 2025).

Most expensive single-family homes sold

Least expensive single-family homes sold

*Minimum home value of $200,000 set to exclude certain land sales, retirement condos, properties with expiring ground leases, etc.

If you have any questions regarding these listings, or would like to schedule a private showing, please feel free to contact The Eli Residential Team or reach out to Jean Ropp.

Make Arlington a better place to live and work with Champions

By Sponsor
Arlington Transportation Partners Champions 2025

Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP) has officially launched Champions 2025 and is ready to assist your company, property, school, or hotel provide the best transportation solutions and benefits for your business.

If you are an employer, multifamily residential community, commercial property or hotel, ATP can help you make a positive impact.

What is a Champion?

Champions are employers and properties in Arlington that are committed to supporting the commuting and transportation needs of their staff and tenants. They provide and promote benefits and amenities that encourage alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles.

In 2024, 152 Champions implemented 243 new transportation programs, including commuter benefits, Capital Bikeshare memberships, and commuter-focused events. These programs, combined with the robust transit options in Arlington County, allow Champions to improve the work/life experience of their employees, tenants, and residents.

Champions has four unique levels your business can achieve based solely on your goals and objectives. Promoting multiple options other than driving alone is enough to make your business Bronze Level. It’s likely your organization already has programs in place that will “earn” your company credit.

The Champions program began its pilot in 2013 with 31 participants and officially launched in 2014. Over the years, nearly 530 unique businesses and properties have added more than 3,750 transportation benefits, amenities, and programs that support the commutes of Arlington residents and employees. 2024 marked the tenth year of Champions, with 16 businesses receiving recognition for participating in the program for all 10 years.

Don’t miss out on the next ten years of Champions. When you enroll, you help your business attract and retain employees, tenants, and residents and become a role model in transportation in Arlington.

Become a Champion in 2025.

Become a Champion Today!

Open houses this weekend: February 28, 2025

By Sponsor
4080 Cherry Hill Road

This recurring Open Houses feature is sponsored by The Eli Residential Team. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service. This week’s post is written by Jean Ropp.

Welcome to March Madness!

Hello warmer temperatures, great to see you! In early March every year — no matter the weather — the Arlington spring real estate market heats up.

Let’s take a look at some upcoming open houses, below.

Single Family Homes

Townhomes

  • 2915-C S. Woodstock #3, Shirlington, 22206
    2 Beds/2.5 Baths — $505,000
    Open Saturday, 1-3 p.m.
    Presented by Martha Floyd, Corcoran McEnearney | Incredible value in Arlington, hard to find a townhome for this price tag
  • 4080 Cherry Hill Road, Cherrydale, 22207
    3 Beds/2.5 Baths — $950,000
    Open Sunday, 2-4 p.m.
    Presented by Michelle Doherty, RLAH @Properties | Walk to the Cherrydale Farmers Market
  • 801 N. Woodrow Street, Ballston, 22203
    4 Beds/4.5 Baths — $1,415,000
    Open Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
    Presented by Michelle Sagatov, Washington Fine Properties | Over 2,700 sq. ft., just steps to Ballston, impressive

Condos

  • 900 N. Stafford Street #1118, 22203
    2 Beds/2 Baths — $559,900
    Open Saturday & Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
    Presented by The Battle Group, Shaw Battle and Matt Leighton, Real Broker LLC | Amazing value for a 2 bedroom unit under 600K above the Ballston Metro
  • 2000 Clarendon #504, 22201
    2 Beds/2 Baths — $849,900
    Open Sunday, 12-2 p.m.
    Presented by Eli Residential Group, Eli Tucker, RLAH @Properties | The newest condo building in all of Arlington with a view of the National Cathedral
  • 1300 Crystal Drive #PH3S, 22202
    4 Beds/3 Baths — $1,950,000 | Monthly Condo Fee — $2,299
    Open Saturday, 1-3 p.m.
    Presented by Kelly Glen, KW Metro Center | Talk about outstanding views!

Want to beat the crowds? Let’s set up a private tour with Jean Ropp of Eli Residential Group!

Let Eli and his team expertly guide you through the unique market dynamics in Arlington. Start by filling the form below. It will support ARLnow’s local news mission and you’ll get some perks in the process.

Statutes of Liberty: Fixing the immigration courts by abolishing the immigration courts?

By Sponsor

This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq., Janice Chen, Esq., and Taryn Druge, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.

The Trump administration has a logistical problem. If the administration wants to fulfill its promises of mass deportation via legal means, it has to use the judicial machinery of the U.S. immigration system.

The New Motto of the Department of Justice: Slow Justice is No Justice!

Unfortunately, the immigration courts are backlogged to the moon – with 3.6 million cases pending at the end of FY2024, there is no way that the present machinery can keep up with current demand, never mind accelerate the pace of adjudications. There are about 700 immigration judges in the United States.

If they each handle two trials per day, every workday of the year, that’s about 280,000 cases per year — it would take thirteen years to clear the backlog, assuming no new cases came into the system. And more cases are coming into the system — a lot more. Although numbers vary, Q3 of FY2024 saw 100,000 new cases filed in a single month.

So, what is the administration going to do? We know of two steps so far — one is a fact, and one is a well-sourced rumor.

The Fact: Half of the Judges on the Board of Immigration Appeals Have Been Fired

There is just one appeals court for the entire U.S. immigration system — the Board of Immigration Appeals, in Falls Church, Virginia. Each and every decision made by all seven hundred immigration judges is appealable to the Board. That means that the Board has a heavy workload, and getting a decision on appeal often takes years.

Hiring more appellate judges — or more staff attorneys, who can assist with research and drafting — would be one way to speed up the Board’s work. (The Trump administration did that, in its first iteration, as did the Biden administration.) That is not what the new Trump administration has done. Instead, the new administration has fired about half of the judges on the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Our view is that this action is both political — every judge fired was appointed by former President Biden — and practical. The Trump administration does not intend to fix the problem of backlogs at the Board of Immigration Appeals. Instead, it intends both to abolish the Board and to abolish the lower immigration courts, by converting them into Special Inquiry Officers, from whose decisions no appeal will lie.

The Rumor: The Immigration Courts Will Revert to Proceedings Before Special Inquiry Officers

This rumor comes from Jason Dzubow, Esq., who published it in his excellent blog, The Asylumist. Dzubow is, in my view, the best attorney specializing in asylum law in Washington, and a real expert on U.S. immigration law — so it’s a very-well sourced rumor, but it is still unconfirmed by outside sources.

According to Dzubow’s source, the Trump administration intends to convert the existing immigration judges (and perhaps the remaining Board of Immigration Appeals judges) into Special Inquiry Officers. This would be a real throwback to procedure last seen before 1973, when Special Inquiry Officers were converted into Immigration Judges by regulation.

Dzubow’s interpretation, we think, is that by converting the immigration courts into special inquiry proceedings, the administration would be able to (1) decrease the due process protections available to respondents, and (2) tap a ready pool of officials already working at the Department of Homeland Security — existing immigration judges, ICE prosecutors, and USCIS adjudicators. (ICE prosecutors would no longer be needed in the streamlined system, and so converting them into Special Inquiry Officers would be a natural move.)

It is unclear how the new proceedings would be conducted, how the existing body of law would be applied to them, and what substantive changes this would bring for our clients. It would be an earthquake in the immigration court system, and the consequences are unpredictable.

In our view, this is still a rumor, but a pretty plausible one from a sensible and well-informed source. When we have new information, we will pass it on to our readers!

As always, we are grateful for your questions and comments, and will do our best to respond.

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