News

New Pro-EHO Group — “Supporters of Arlington’s landmark Expanded Housing Options (EHO) zoning ordinance are celebrating the first anniversary of its approval on March 22, 2023, with the creation of a new community group, ArlingtonWINs (Arlingtonians for Welcoming and Inclusive Neighborhoods).” [Gazette Leader]

TV Station Takes On Towing — “7News witnessed 11 vehicles being towed over 10 days at the Giant Food. Many of those towed had drivers leave the property and walk down the block to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles… Virginia delegate Alfonso Lopez, who sponsored the Anti-Predatory Towing Act, had his vehicle towed by Advanced Towing and believes the new law will give Northern Virginia similar protection against predatory towing that’s available in the rest of the state.” [WJLA]

Tree Canopy Discussion — “At least for now, Arlington County Board members are sticking to their story when it comes to the county’s total tree canopy. But cracks  in that commitment are appearing.” [Gazette Leader]

Less Funding for Litter — “It will provide a savings of 0.0025 percent in the Arlington County government’s fiscal 2025 budget, but likely will lead to a less tidy and more graffiti-strewn community. Is that a fair tradeoff? It apparently does seem fair to the county’s Department of Environmental Services, which has proposed reducing dedicated staffing to address litter issues in the dead-center area of the county.” [Gazette Leader]

Fake Arlington News — “Blast News 365… reported on the case of Roberta Clemons, a 77-year-old Arlington woman ‘who neighbors described as everyone’s grandma.’ She had been found shot to death in her car. Officials were said to have charged an 18-year-old man in the killing.  But the Arlington County Police Department again confirmed it does not have ‘reports of a fatal shooting of an individual named Roberta Clemons.'” [NBC News]

Clement Is Running Again — “Audrey Clement is ready to roll for her latest bid for Arlington elected office. Clement, an independent (and one-time Green Party contender), has been running for local posts – mostly County Board but on two occasions School Board – continuously since 2011. Her 2024 run will be her 15th; Clement’s best showing was winning 31 percent of the vote against incumbent County Board member Jay Fisette in 2013.” [Gazette Leader]

Feedback Sought on Humps — “In fall 2023, the County reintroduced speed humps in school slow zones as part of a pilot project aiming to reduce vehicle speeds near schools. We want to learn from you, our community members, about the impacts of and your experience with tactical speed humps at the pilot locations. The last day to give feedback is Sunday, March 31.” [Arlington County]

Takis Talks Immigration — “Should improper border crossings into the U.S. be decriminalized? He may not have a direct say in the matter, but one Arlington County Board member made his view clear on March 16. ‘Crossing a border, documented or undocumented, should never be a crime,’ Takis Karantonis said in response to a public-comment speaker complaining about treatment of those slated for deportation at a downstate facility run by a contractor for the federal government.” [Gazette Leader]