With a menu that’s antibiotic and hormone free, baked and roasted to perfection, and 85% vegetarian, every meal is a celebration of authentic wholesome Lebanese Cuisine.
In its short 3 months since opening, Zazzy has become the go-to spot in Arlington for those seeking authentic, healthy and nutritious meals in a welcoming and unpretentious space.
The selection of Lebanese, Virginia, and International beers, wines, and exotic cocktails adds an extra layer of delight to its casual dining experience.
And the best part, Zazzy is already catering its delightful meals in sustainable packaging that works for you, your business, and the planet.
At the July 22, 2024, regular meeting, the Arlington County Board took action to close the Observation Deck at 1201 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn.
The Observation Deck will officially close on July 31, 2024. This closure marks the acceleration of a major reinvestment in Rosslyn Gateway Park during a transformative period for the Rosslyn community.
CoStar Group, a leading global provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics, purchased 1201 Wilson Blvd., a 560,000-square-foot office building known as Central Place Tower, in February 2024.
CoStar Group Funds Significant Investment in Rosslyn Gateway Park
As part of the economic development deal, CoStar Group will pay Arlington $13,951,900 to significantly expedite the redevelopment of Rosslyn’s Gateway Park, accelerating its completion by nearly a decade. This investment will transform Gateway Park into a vibrant, multifunctional public space and world-class destination that is a central anchor for the Rosslyn community.
The redevelopment of Gateway Park, led by Field Operations, the same group of designers responsible for Met Park, will introduce new amenities, green spaces and recreational opportunities, creating a welcoming environment for all.
A New Outlook for Rosslyn
In the CoStar Group deal, Arlington County recognized a unique and impactful opportunity to marry Rosslyn’s community benefits with significant economic gains. CoStar Group initially considered Arlington due to its prime location and premier trophy building in the heart of Rosslyn.
Throughout the site selection process, CoStar Group discovered more about Rosslyn’s business HQ-friendly environment as well as Arlington’s highly skilled workforce, accessibility to two international airports, strong Metro system, high quality of life and dynamic urban centers — key factors that ultimately influenced the company’s decision to purchase the building.
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 July 22, there are 136 detached homes, 35 townhouses and 145 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 25 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
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.
This regularly scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Video summaries of some articles can be found on YouTube on the Eli Residential channel. Enjoy!
Question: How has the Arlington housing market performed in the first half of 2024?
Answer: Sometimes the market surprises you (read: me) and the first half of 2024 was one of those times. After a relatively tame 2023 and prolonged high interest rates, I expected to see fairly stable pricing until rates dropped. By the second week of January, it was clear that buyers had other ideas, and I saw most homes in Northern Virginia selling for 5-10% more than they had in 2023 with intense competition.
How the Data is Organized
For my mid-year reviews, I like to compare the first half of the year to the same period (first half) of prior years, rather than comparing the first half of the current year to the full year in prior years. We tend to see a much stronger market (higher demand, more competition) in the first half of the year than the second half, so I feel like this approach gives us a more apples-to-apples comparison.
It’s also important to note that the data I use is based on homes that went under contract in the first half of the year because it’s more reflective of actual buying activity during that period; as opposed to looking at homes that closed in the first half of the year, but may have gone under contract many months prior during different market conditions.
Strong Price Growth and Competition
Across all property types, average home prices in Arlington increased by 6.8% in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023.
Let’s look at the performance of Arlington’s single-family home (SFH) market in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous four years:
Join us this Saturday, July 20 at 1 p.m. as we cut a magnificent 175-pound wheel of Emmental Francais straight from the caves of Master Affineur Hervé Mons!
This behemoth of deliciousness is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk and aged in the Mons’ Family Caves.
Come and taste the freshest and finest Emmemtal Francais you will ever find stateside. This delicious cheese from the Rhône Alpes is natural for sandwiches, melting and making fondue.
Address:5900 35th Street N. Neighborhood: Williamsburg Village Type: 5 BR, 6 (+1 half) BA single-family detached — 6,100 sq. ft. Listed: $2,995,000
Noteworthy: Exceptional new A&N home on 11,700 lot in Discovery, Williamsburg, Yorktown.
Hard Hat Open House for a sneak preview of this inviting new home with 6,000 square feet of well-designed space spanning three levels.
Features includes — Pella Windows, natural stone and HardiPlank exterior, architectural shingle roof, efficient insulation, flag stone walk and front porch, Thermador appliances, Azzurri cabinetry in kitchen, pantry, butler’s pantry, and primary closet; wide plank clear oak floors on main and upper levels; classic molding and details, daylight lower level with gym, private bedroom and ensuite bath, storage, powder room, oversized two car garage.
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 Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an appeals forum for federal employees and former federal employees to challenge various types of federal agency actions, such as serious disciplinary actions (adverse actions), retirement appeals, whistleblower matters and other types of cases.
The most usual type of appeal for federal employees involves filing an appeal over a serious disciplinary action, such as removal from the federal service.
During an appeal a federal employee can choose to be represented by an attorney. That said, the federal agency on the other side will be represented in the appeal by an attorney. This article discusses some of the reasons for retaining an attorney familiar with the MSPB process to assist you in an appeal. In other words, the reasons why it is important for a federal employee to retain an MSPB attorney. Here are some reasons why it is important for a federal employee to retain an MSPB lawyer for their appeal.
Federal Agencies Treat MSPB Cases Differently When an Employee Has an Attorney
One of the reasons why it is important to have an MSPB experienced attorney representing a federal employee is that it will very likely make a difference in how the federal agency treats the MSPB appeal at issue. Federal agencies allocate their attorney resources first to cases where an individual has retained an attorney. Those cases tend to get the most attention because there are attorneys on both sides of the appeal.
In other words, where an appellant has their own attorney, the federal agency involved will focus more on that individual’s appeal merely because they have an attorney. This focus can help to resolve MSPB appeals earlier in the process.
The MSPB Process is Much Like a Civil Action
One of the most important reasons why it is important to have an attorney represent a federal employee in the appeals process is the fact that it is a very serious type of appeal, very similar to being involved in a civil lawsuit. There is a general misperception that the process is designed for an employee to effectively represent themselves.
An MSPB appeal functions much like a civil court case where there is discovery, the taking of depositions and the filing of briefs. As a result, representing yourself in this type of case is very difficult. It is often the case where federal employees discover this too late and we are contacted after discovery deadlines have passed which can make appeals much more difficult to prevail in and/or settle. It is important to have an MSPB attorney early in the process. Additionally, there are often legal arguments and filings required by an administrative judge that really require an attorney.
Increase the Chances of Settlement
Federal employees who retain attorneys in the MSPB process are more likely to resolve their MSPB appeals. Part of the calculation by federal agencies, in determining whether or not to settle MSPB cases, has to do with risk. Federal agency attorneys evaluate the risk of losing an appeal (a risk which increases when an employee has an attorney), but also other types of risks including the risk of adverse information being disclosed through discovery.
Individuals without counsel can run across difficulties such as how to format discovery requests or take depositions which can limit the amount of critical information uncovered in an appeal. This can decrease the chances of settling an MSPB appeal. MSPB lawyers are also able to understand and work out the legal terms of a settlement agreement with federal agency counsel to minimize risk and to attempt to ensure compliance with settlement agreements.
It is Difficult for an Employee to Represent Themselves at a MSPB Hearing
One of the most important reasons for having an attorney represent an appellant in an MSPB appeal is the difficulty for a federal employee in presenting their own case at the MSPB hearing. MSPB hearings typically involve presenting opening and closing statements, presenting and questioning witnesses, cross-examining witnesses and making legal objections to evidence.
It is also difficult for a federal employee to question themselves in a case, and their testimony as a result often takes the path of a statement which can have limitations. Having an MSPB lawyer assist them can help lead them through what can often be difficult testimony. We often have federal employees come to us following the filing of an MSPB appeal because they didn’t realize how complex the process could be. It is best to secure MSPB representation as soon as possible for federal employees.
If you are in need of advice regarding MSPB appeals, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or through our contact page to schedule a consultation.
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 Austen Soare, 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.
In this advertorial, we’ll try to analyze his platform more directly, and then discuss practical issues with its implementation. (Our promised analysis of President Biden’s immigration proposals will come in a fortnight.)
Logistics really do matter. (This famous illustration of the size of Napoleon’s Grande Armee.)
Begin Largest Deportation Program in American History
President Trump and Republicans will reverse the Democrats’ destructive Open Borders Policies that have allowed criminal gangs and Illegal Aliens from around the World to roam the United States without consequences. The Republican Party is committed to sending Illegal Aliens back home and removing those who have violated our laws. […]
Common Sense tells us clearly, in President Trump’s words, that “If we don’t have a Border, we don’t have a Country.” Restoring sensible Border Security and Immigration Policy requires many steps, all of which would have been and indeed were taken for granted by prior Generations as obviously necessary and good. We must secure our Southern Border by completing the Border Wall that President Trump started. Hundreds of miles have already been built and work magnificently.
The remaining wall construction can be completed quickly, effectively, and inexpensively. We must also vigilantly check those who enter our Country by other routes and ensure that no one can enter our Country who does not have the Legal Right to do so, and we must deport the millions of illegal Migrants who Joe Biden has deliberately encouraged to invade our Country. We will start by prioritizing the most dangerous criminals and working with the local police. We must not allow Biden’s Migrant Invasion to alter our country. It must not stand. Under the Trump Administration and a Republican Congress, it will be defeated immediately.
The platform calls forthrightly for the deportation of millions, so it’s worth considering how that would work in practice.
Question: How Many People Are We Talking About?
There are two unknowns here. The first is the number of unauthorized migrants in the United States; President Trump has offered an estimate of 18 million, with official records showing just north of 11 million, as of 2022.
The second unknown is how many people a Trump administration would actually target for deportation. The “largest deportation program in American history,” to date, was the remarkable Operation Wetback [1], through about 1-1.5 million Mexican nationals were deported by the federal government during the Truman and Eisenhower administration. Deporting the same number today would reduce the number of unauthorized migrants in the United States by about 10%.
Question: Do We Have the Resources to Do It?
Under current law, the answer is certainly not. The federal government funds 41,500 “beds” for detention of immigrants per day at the moment. It is common for migrants to remain detained for months while litigating their cases in immigration court. Assuming, optimistically, that the federal government could remove each detainee within 90 days, the throughput of the system would be 164,000 per year — not remotely fast enough to accomplish the Trump Administration’s goal.
Many commentators — some of whom, like ICE Director John Sandweg and DHS Secretary Napolitano, are former immigration officials in Democratic administrations — have pointed out that the current system could not produce millions of deportations. This is correct, as far as it goes, but if Congress actually passed enabling legislation to fund additional detention facilities, amended the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict the due process rights of non-citizens, and funded the Immigration Courts sufficiently, higher numbers are certainly possible.
Question: What Would Happen in Federal Court?
The first Trump Administration did not have a notably good track record defending its immigration policies in federal court. A second Trump Administration, if it attempted a program of mass deportation, would face even more serious litigation challenges. Our best guess is that any program of mass deportations would be immediately enjoined in federal court.
This raises, of course, the question of whether a new Trump Administration would comply with judicial orders. We think there is reason to doubt that. If a second Trump Administration felt unconstrained by judicial review, and were able to obtain sufficient funding from a compliant Congress, a program of mass deportations is certainly possible.
As always, we are grateful for your questions and comments, and will do our best to respond.
[1] We regret the use of this term, which is an offensive slur, but include it as a matter of historical accuracy.
Each week, “Just Sold Condos” spotlights condos in Arlington that have sold over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Rick Bosl, the Arlington Condo Expert, founder of ArlingtonCondo.com, and an agent with KW Metro Center. Contact Rick and make your next move the right move.
Welcome to Just Sold Condos in Arlington!
Last week was a more normal week for condo sales after the shortened Fourth of July holiday. There were 24 sales during the week of July 8 to July 14.
There was one unit that closed over $1 million and that was at Rhodes Hill Square, 1418 N Rhodes Street #B126. Rhodes Hill Square markets itself as ‘city town homes’. The center building at Rhodes Hill Square is four stories with two, 2 level units stacked on top of each other. Most of the lower units include a patio while the benefit of the upper units are a private rooftop terrace.
Rhodes Hill Square
Two units sold at River Place — one of only two cooperatives in Arlington. River Place is unique in that the cooperative does not own the land the buildings sit on. The land lease is for 50 years and is set to expire in 2052. What happens then? That is the answer everyone wants to know.
People often ask me how the condo market in Arlington compares to the condo market in D.C. Both are dense, urban areas that have a shared history.
Arlington was part of the original ten-mile square surveyed in 1791 for the Nation’s Capital. In 1847, at the request of the local residents, Congress retroceded Arlington to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Potomac River separates the two geographic areas but there is much more that separates the two markets. When comparing two markets, a few market stats I first look at are days on market (DOM), pricing ratios, and inventory levels. Let’s see how the two compare. I can hear some of you saying ‘but Arlington is a County not a city’. That is technically true, but stay with me here.
Days on Market
One key factor for any real estate market is how long properties stay on the market before being sold. This metric can indicate demand and the overall health of the market.
A detailed analysis of DOM can therefore provide insight into market trends. A decreasing DOM over time typically suggests a hot market with increasing demand and possibly rising prices. On the other hand, an increasing DOM might signal a cooling market, where properties take longer to sell perhaps due to economic factors, oversupply, or shifting buyer preferences. Monitoring DOM closely can help both buyers and sellers make informed decisions — buyers can gauge how aggressive they need to be in their offers, while sellers can set competitive prices to ensure faster sales.
Avg. Days on Market
In Arlington, condos typically spend around 20 days on the market before being sold. This relatively quick turnover suggests a strong demand and a competitive market.
In contrast, condos in Washington, D.C. have an average of 45 days on the market. For all of 2024 so far, condos in D.C. have consistently stayed on the market than compared to condos in Arlington.
Sale Price to Original Price Ratio
The sale price to original list price ratio, which takes into account any price reductions before the final sale. This ratio can provide additional context on how realistic initial price expectations are and how they align with market conditions as the listing goes through its lifecycle. This ratio serves as a marker for market competitiveness and seller pricing strategies. A high ratio suggests that the market is competitive, with buyers less likely to negotiate prices down significantly, often a sign of high demand and limited supply. For example, a market with a lower sale price to original list price ratio might suggest that initial pricing was overly ambitious or that market conditions have softened.
Please note: While ArlingtonCondo.com provides this information for the community, they may not be the listing agent of these homes. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Love & Carrots is a local edible landscaping and vegetable gardening company that started in 2011 with one woman, a pickup truck — and a mission to nourish both people and places.
Today, our team has installed thousands of raised bed gardens and perennial landscapes across the D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia area for families, communities, and businesses who are joining us in the effort to make urban environments more conducive to healthy living.
Love & Carrots
Meet Jodi, an Urban Farmer with Love & Carrots!
Jodi joined Love & Carrots in 2023, bringing with her nearly a decade of experience farming, carrying out fresh food interventions in Baltimore urban food deserts, and developing maternal wellness programs in the DMV. She loves learning from and working with the earth, and sharing her knowledge with Love & Carrots clients and her community.
Q: What does an Urban Farmer do?
“Urban gardeners equip our clients to maximize their at-home food production with the wisdom of multiple seasons, a whole lot of knowledge of local crop production, and a dash of handed-down farming folklore. Food brings people together — as an urban gardener, I get to be at the center of the magic by seeing clients grow to realize their dreams of producing beautiful food for themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Q: What is your favorite crop to grow?
“Everyone gets excited for tomato time, and I’m no exception. I look forward all year to the time where I can walk outside and grab a sweet, sun-warmed fruit to eat fresh off the vine or to brighten up a recipe.”
Q: Do you have a hot garden tip?
“During the peak of the summer garden, there’s so much goodness coming out of the garden that sometimes it’s easy to lose track of what’s available. I like to encourage my clients to keep a chalkboard near the kitchen updated with a list of what’s “on the menu” in the garden — that way, they’re always inspired and informed come meal time!”
Interested in learning more about how you can grow vegetables in your own backyard? Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our design, installation, and garden maintenance services.
This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
Ever wondered if selling homemade tamales, cakes, ice cream or other food items is allowed in Virginia according to state law? Generally, it’s not, but there are exceptions depending on the food item and its distribution.
Most foods sold to the public must be prepared in a commercial kitchen licensed and inspected by the state to ensure public health safety. This is because foods like meats, dairy and vegetables can carry foodborne illnesses. These commercial kitchens have strict controls on temperature, cleanliness, and storage and operators must be trained to prevent illness.
Recently, the Virginia General Assembly loosened regulations and introduced “Cottage Food Laws” allowing certain non-perishable foods to be made in private homes. Foods that don’t require time or temperature controls after preparation can be made at home.
Prepared pickles and acidified vegetables with an equilibrium pH of 4.6 or lower
There are restrictions on where these homemade products can be sold. They can only be sold in person within Virginia to individuals for personal consumption — not for resale or consignment — and they aren’t eligible for online sales. They can be sold at the operator’s home, temporary events (up to 14 consecutive days) or farmers’ markets. Products must be labeled with the preparer’s name, address, phone number, processing date and the following statement: “NOT FOR RESALE — PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION.”
Luckily, Arlington has an affordable and convenient food incubator space located on Columbia Pike, Kitchen of Purpose, where entrepreneurs who cannot manufacture foods under the Cottage Food Laws or don’t want to be limited in how they can sell their products can prepare food items safely. Additional resources and tools may also be available.
We know this can be a lot to take in but BizLaunch is here to help you every step of the way, from demystifying regulations to business planning, searching for space, marketing and pricing. Simply schedule your one-on-one consultation today, and we’ll help you navigate the intricacies of starting any business.
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 July 15, there are 130 detached homes, 39 townhouses and 154 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 30 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
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.
