News

Lee Name Stays on Arlington House — “A 19th-century general has survived a 21st-century battle. Efforts during the recently concluded session of the U.S. Congress to remove Robert E. Lee’s name from the National Park Service’s Arlington House memorial failed to make much progress. And if it didn’t find success when Democrats controlled both houses of Congress, such a proposal is more unlikely now that Republicans control, albeit narrowly, the U.S. House of Representatives.” [Sun Gazette]

One Week for Comment on Parkway Plan — “The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comment on a proposed plan and environmental assessment to improve the southern portion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Mount Vernon Trail. The project would improve safety and address maintenance needs along the parkway and the trail. Comments will be accepted through January 18th.” [National Park Service]

Apple Store Temporarily Closed — The Apple Store in Clarendon is closed at least through Friday, according to posted hours on the company’s website. No reason for the closure was given but construction is ongoing at The Crossing Clarendon shopping center, where it’s located. [Apple]

Local Civic Figure Dies — “A Democratic activist for over 40 years, Amy [Appelbaum] campaigned for local candidates, donated to many causes, and marched for the Equal Rights Amendment and reproductive rights. She was employed for two decades as an aide to state legislator James Almand and served on the Arlington Board of Equalization for Real Estate Assessments for ten years. Amy was recognized as a ‘Person of Vision’ by the Arlington County Status of Women Commission in 2004 for her community volunteer work.” [Legacy]

Anti-Missing Middle Rally — “Hundreds of people gathered in Arlington Sunday afternoon to protest a Missing Middle housing proposal that opponents complained is ‘deeply flawed’ and is getting rushed through the county’s approval process.” [Patch]

New Deputy Police Chiefs — “Arlington County Police Chief Andy Penn is pleased to announce the appointment of Captain LaTasha Chamberlain and Captain David Giroux to the position of Deputy Chief of Police… The appointments follow the retirements of two long-term Deputy Chiefs. Deputy Chief Daniel Murray, the agency’s longest tenured member, retired in January 2023 following 45 years of dedicated service and Deputy Chief Michael Dunne retired in June 2022 following 38 years of dedicated service.” [ACPD]

FDIC Sues Arlington — “The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is suing Arlington County for a tax refund, alleging the county assessed its Virginia Square office buildings too high during the pandemic years, perhaps portending more such quarrels if office vacancy remains high and drives down values. The FDIC owns a handful of parcels just north of the Virginia Square-GMU Metro station.” [Washington Business Journal]

Condo Fire Near Rosslyn — “Scanner: ACFD is on scene of a fire in a unit at the Memorial Overlook condo building near Rosslyn. Sounds like most of the fire is out but they’re looking for additional flames in the ceiling and evaluating one potential injury.” [Twitter]