Last week’s ruling that put Missing Middle zoning changes back on the books in Arlington presents a major setback for plaintiffs, experts say.
The determination in the Virginia Court of Appeals, which found last year’s circuit court ruling invalid for procedural reasons, could substantially set back the timeline for the case and require even more resources to support a privately funded lawsuit.
The ad-hoc task force studying trash collection options in Falls Church continues to refine ideas as a key deadline draws ever nearer.
With two meetings down and two more to go, the goal is to now “get closer to a path forward,” said Deputy City Manager Andy Young, who is chairing the panel.
Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.
Many of you have asked about best practices when it comes to buying a new condominium. Some of us only want new and are willing to pay a premium for the best in current design. There are several recommendations and insights here that will help you get what you want.
First decide what type of condominium you need… size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, parking needs, or separate office, followed by a list of wants such as level of building service, amenities on-site, space for dining for six, balcony, open floor plan, and natural light. (Here she goes again.) Not to be sexist about it, but females generally are better shoppers and come with a preconceived set of non-negotiables.
Identify the areas you would consider living, such as Arlington or Old Town… but not wanting to go as far as Tysons, Reston, or DC. People don’t buy condominiums in places they aren’t familiar with or already spend time in, unless relocating entirely. Many upcoming communities put up signage and a website first which makes early interest hyperlocal. Register as a VIP on the website early and you will get regular communication, time to consider the offering, and learn when pre-sale will begin.
Once open, come early in pre-sale. You’ll get the pick of the litter. This is particularly important if you want something larger and are interested in the best views. Prospects are smart and pick the best floorplans first. If you have some idea of your ideal size and price point it makes good use of everyone’s time. Once you make a selection, expect to leave a 10% deposit as this is pretty standard in the industry. The developer generally has their own contract and it’s written much in their favor but not unreasonably so. Pricing this early is usually not negotiable… the price is the price. But you can purchase with some confidence since all buyers are getting the same terms and the developer has a shared interest in protecting values through delivery while sales are ongoing.
You do not need to be fully qualified for financing to come out and look but it’s wise to have some idea of what you can afford. Most builders give incentives for paying cash or using their title company and lenders. Often your contract might even offer a short financing contingency in exchange for considering them.
Once firmly under contract, a buyer might have 12- 18 months to prepare for the move. How blissful. This is one of the best parts of buying early in pre-sale. Moving is daunting, especially if you have been in your current homes for 30 years and the thought of moving seems excruciating. Decide what to take, sell/donate, and hire a proper interior designer to space plan and create a unique home that reflects your tastes. All with the time to do it properly.
Something to note. Finishes have gotten more high end, brands carry weight, and there is less customization offered these days. Gone are the days of going to a design center. If you know you are getting a Sub Zero refrigerator included you probably won’t ask if there are other options available. (more…)
Five Guys has made a triumphant return to the Columbia Pike location where the hamburger franchise got its start 39 years ago.
About a dozen customers lined up outside Westmont Apartments to be the first ones inside the burger joint, which opened for business at 11 a.m. today (Monday). It’s on the same spot where Five Guys opened its very first location in a former strip mall in 1986.
Amoneth is a playful black kitty with, as the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) said, “the heart of a hunter.”
The three-year-old black cat is available for adoption at the AWLA. The shelter’s website described him as a “perfect mix of action and relaxation.”
*Mamistad Groups meet IN PERSON-only the introductory Zoom call is virtual. :)
Pregnancy and new mom groups are a lifesaver when it comes to normalizing those feelings we just can’t be prepared for.
Two new retail tenants have signed leases to join the ground floor of an apartment building in Falls Church.
Livewell Animal Hospital and laser hair removal studio SEV Laser are the newest additions to Modera Falls Church at 1033 W. Broad Street. The apartment began welcoming residential tenants in April and expects to open a cafe and Thai restaurant later this year.
The Arlington Chamber of Commerce saluted public safety responses to this winter’s deadly mid-air crash over the Potomac River at an event last week.
A special Excellence Award was bestowed on the Arlington County Police Department, Arlington County Fire Department, Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for their efforts at the scene of the crash.
Local employment conditions appear to be holding up better than expected given federal-government cutbacks and their ripple effects across the broader economy.
“Is the situation as dire as we were thinking? Right now, I don’t think so,” said David Remick, executive director of the Alexandria-Arlington Regional Workforce Council.
The Arlington County Board is celebrating the commitment of Arlington’s foster parents of the year and praising the efforts of a leader in the local art world.
At a June 18 meeting, Board members also commemorated the life of a civic leader who died earlier in the month and thanked two retiring advisory commission members for their service.
Amazon Van Fire in Crystal City — “Units responded to a fully involved vehicle fire on the 2200 block of S Clark St that was extending into the bushes. E105 quickly extinguished the delivery vehicle fire. No injuries to the driver or firefighters. Fire marshals will be investigating the cause… This was a gas-powered vehicle that caught fire due to a malfunctioning engine. There was no explosion, and no packages were involved.” [ACFD/X]
Arrest After Fight on the Pike — “Columbia Pike at S. Four Mile Run Drive… The male victim and suspect were outside when they became engaged in a verbal dispute during which the suspect allegedly threatened the victim, threw a rock towards him and attempted to steal his personal belongings. Responding officers took the suspect into custody on scene.” [ACPD]
Fourth of July Road Closures — “The Arlington County Police Department, Virginia State Police, United States Park Police, and Virginia Department of Transportation will close multiple roadways on Friday, July 4th, 2025, to facilitate the safe passage of large crowds for the Independence Day events and fireworks.” [ACPD]
Dem Candidates Visit Freddie’s — “Freddie’s, you’re a blast — especially during Pride Month! Proud to visit this historic space for Virginia’s LGBTQ+ community here in Arlington.” [Abigail Spanberger/X]
Dem Candidates at Eden Center — “Eden Center in Falls Church, the center of the Vietnamese community in Fairfax County, is an example of the diversity that makes VA so great. As AG, I’ll be sure that no matter who you are or where you come from, you will have a fair shake in our justice system.” [Jay Jones/X]
It’s Monday — Showers and thunderstorms are likely after in the afternoon, with otherwise mostly sunny skies and a high near 90. Heat index values may reach up to 100, and a calm wind will become south around 6 mph in the afternoon. For Monday night, showers and potential thunderstorms are expected, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 76. A south wind will blow around 7 mph, and there’s a 60% chance of precipitation throughout the day. [NWS]
Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. ARLnow has called an Industrious workspace home for years and we appreciate the ease — you can concentrate on projects instead of brewing coffee or maintaining office equipment. Industrious has multiple Metro-accessible shared offices throughout Arlington.
