With water-system issues in Richmond delaying the start of the legislative session, Arlington representatives are ready with firm goals as the Virginia General Assembly prepares to get going next week.
“There is so much more to do to continue building a more just, equitable Commonwealth,” said Del. Adele McClure (D-2), who is entering her second legislative session after winning election in 2023.
As Arlington County eyes another possible tax increase this fiscal year, County Manager Mark Schwartz warns that trimming the county $1.65 billion budget would be no small task.
From the rising costs of compensation to funding commitments that can’t be altered in the short term, Schwartz suggested that cutting costs to fill an anticipated budget gap of $30 to $40 million — about 2% of Arlington’s $1.65 billion budget — isn’t as easy as some might think.
The Democratic field for the lone County Board seat on Arlington’s 2025 ballot ticked up to two on Wednesday night (Jan. 8).
As expected, incumbent Takis Karantonis launched a re-election bid at the monthly meeting of the Arlington County Democratic Committee.
Arlington Schools Open Again — Arlington Public Schools students are back in class again today, with schools set to open on time (as of Thursday night). [Twitter]
Annual MLK Tribute Approaching — “Join Arlington County as our community honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 2025 MLK Tribute event on Sun., Jan. 19, 5-6:30 p.m. in the Wakefield High School auditorium.” [Arlington County]
Local GOP Questions Fire — After word that a small fire at the Crystal City Sports Pub was likely set intentionally, the Arlington GOP posted on X: “Suspicious, huh. The restaurant is owned by Republicans.” On Friday afternoon, Freddie’s Beach Bar and McNamara’s Pub were also identified as having been damaged by the arsonist. [Twitter]
Report Potholes Online — From Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services: “January flakes bring street surface breaks. Report a pothole and other stuff to the County in a few clicks.” [Bluesky, Arlington County]
Saturday Snow Update — From Fox 5’s Mike Thomas: “Here’s our thoughts for the snow event late tomorrow night through Saturday morning. Center of the wave passes well south of DC, so southern zones have the best shot at more than a coating.” [Twitter, Capital Weather Gang]
It’s Friday — Clouds will increase throughout the day, with a high near 30 and northwest winds at 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Snow is expected Friday night, primarily after 1am, with a low temperature around 25 and light south winds. There is a 90% chance of precipitation, and new snow accumulation may be less than an inch. [NWS]
Three days after the last snowflakes fell on Arlington, significant stretches of walkways around the county remain encased in ice.
Along sidewalks and crosswalks in front of businesses, single-family homes, townhouse developments and at least one county park, ARLnow braved the ice and snow yesterday and today (Thursday) to document numerous failures to comply with the county’s snow removal ordinance.
As Arlington Transit buses prepare to move south from the Virginia Square to a new facility, the future of the N. Quincy Street site remains an open question.
“I can’t promise in the future that we won’t consider that property will be used for things that people would rather not have there,” County Manager Mark Schwartz told delegates to the Arlington County Civic Federation during his annual visit to the organization in mid-December.
Authorities responded to a fire at Crystal City Sports Pub early this morning.
The fire was reported at 5:34 a.m. Thursday at 529 23rd Street S. Initial reports indicated flames and smoke were seen coming from the building and the restaurant’s sprinkler system was activated.
A 27-year-old Arlington man is facing numerous charges after allegedly becoming violent while on the way to the hospital.
Arlington County police say Yeison Orellana Perez injured himself while drunk and was transported by medics from the 3700 block of Columbia Pike yesterday.
Traffic and delays are expected around Arlington National Cemetery this weekend as thousands of visitors remove holiday wreaths from graves.
The annual “wreaths out” event will take place beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Volunteers are expected to remove approximately 257,000 wreaths from the National Cemetery, along with about 14,000 from the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery in D.C.
One and Done for School Board Chair — School Board Chair Mary Kadera Wednesday night told Arlington Democrats she will not seek a second term. “I would be happy doing this work forever,” Kadera said, but a combination of family and professional responsibilities means “I cannot run a campaign right now.” Democrats will select an endorsee for Kadera’s seat in a spring caucus. –Scott McCaffrey
GW Parkway Back Open — “The George Washington Memorial Parkway has reopened. Drivers should continue to stay alert while driving through the construction zone… Due to weather, the traffic configuration will be a single lane through the construction corridor both North and South bound.” [Press Release]
Office to Residential in Courthouse — “Trammell Crow Residential wants to redevelop Arlington Plaza, an aging office building in Arlington’s Courthouse neighborhood, as an 18-story apartment tower… The existing 190,000-square-foot property, built in 1985, sits on 1.1 acres a few blocks east of the Court House Metro station and across North Troy Street from the county jail.” [WBJ]
Clarendon Apartment Acquired — “In its first U.S. multifamily acquisition, real estate company Pembroke has acquired the Fitzroy in Arlington, Va., for $158 million. The acquisition reflects the company’s strategy to diversify its portfolio in cities where it also has mixed-use and office properties. Completed in 2023 and LEED Gold Certified, the 10-story property is located at 3275 Washington Blvd.” [Multi-Housing News]
Arlington Org’s New Leader — “Earlier this year, the Consumer Technology Association, which owns and produces CES, installed 17-year veteran of the association Kinsey Fabrizio as its new president… To Fabrizio, her roots in the D.C. region have a little bit of extra special meaning. ‘As a company, we’re based in Arlington, and it’s no secret that there’s a lot of great innovation in the Arlington area,’ Fabrizio said.” [WTOP]
Snow Possible This Weekend — “The D.C. area could see its second bout of snow this week on Saturday… a dusting to two inches is the most likely forecast right now.” [Capital Weather Gang]
It’s Thursday — Expect sunny skies and a high of 28 degrees, accompanied by blustery northwest winds of 16 to 23 mph, gusting up to 41 mph. Thursday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to a low of around 17 degrees and northwest winds of 10 to 16 mph, gusting as high as 26 mph. [NWS]
By OLIVIA DIAZ and BEN FINLEY Associated Press/Report for America
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s state Capitol and General Assembly buildings are going to be closed Wednesday, effectively postponing lawmakers’ first working day of the legislative session nearly two days after a winter storm shut down Richmond’s water system.
The Arlington County Board’s newest member is asking supporters for assistance in paying off remaining campaign debt.
JD Spain, Sr., who took out $32,000 in loans a few weeks before the Democratic primary in June, emailed supporters on Dec. 30 asking them to contribute to a “final push” for funding. As of the end of December, Spain told ARLnow, he had paid off 85% of campaign loans.
