Members of Arlington’s Disability Advisory Commission argue that they could do more good by being an integral part of creating properties, not just reviewing them.
“We feel a frustration dealing with the county’s current planning process,” said Commissioner Bryant Atkins.
Arlington stands to be divided into two congressional districts following last night’s statewide referendum, which narrowly passed with overwhelming support from local voters.
The “yes” vote rolled up about 80% of the vote in Arlington, based on preliminary vote totals released last night by the Virginia Department of Elections. This helped the measure squeak by statewide with about 51.5% of the vote — a majority of about 90,000 votes out of more than 3 million cast, according to preliminary figures.
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…)
A new, locally owned Yemeni cafe is brewing in Falls Church, with plans to open in a couple months.
Rashfa Cafe hopes to open this June at 310 S. Washington Street, owner and founder Abdulrahman Al Harethi told ARLnow. He wants to share his heritage with the community through Yemeni-sourced coffee and menu items like rawani cake, sabayah pastries and honeycomb bread.
Final action on VHC Health’s proposed 146-bed S. Carlin Springs Road behavioral health and rehabilitation facility could come as early as September.
That somewhat aggressive planning timeline was laid out at a community-kickoff meeting for the project yesterday (Monday). Current plans anticipate the project heading to the full Planning Commission on Sept. 9 and the County Board on Sept. 19, although that timetable may slip.
*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.
Teen Charged in Officer Assault — A boy in his late teens was taken into custody Monday afternoon after police say he kicked an officer while being detained at a business in the 200 block of S. Glebe Road. The officer was not injured. Petitions for assault on police and disorderly conduct were sought. [ACPD]
Fire Station 8 Goes Green — Arlington’s new Fire Station 8 has earned LEED Gold certification, featuring an underground stormwater vault, a green vegetated roof, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and 57 solar panels. The station stands on the historic footprint of the Halls Hill Volunteer Fire Department, the only Arlington station staffed by an all-Black volunteer unit for decades during segregation. [Arlington County]
Water Shortage Risk Grows — A growing risk of water shortages looms as the Potomac River hits near-record lows. The river is “at its lowest point that it’s ever been for this particular date,” based on more than 130 years of data, said Michael Nardolilli of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin. Severe drought has expanded to cover 31% of the region. [WTOP, CWG/X]
Red Flag Law Takes Guns — Fairfax County has processed 481 Emergency Substantial Risk cases and temporarily seized 947 guns since Virginia’s Red Flag law took effect in 2020. “Every one of those cases, I believe, is the opportunity to not only make our community safer, but potentially save a life,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said. [WTOP]
Airport Merch Coming — The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is preparing to launch an online store selling merchandise branded for Reagan National and Dulles airports, aimed at “AVGeeks, locals and everyone in between.” The store is in a testing phase and no launch date has been announced. MWAA’s move follows WMATA’s popular Metro-branded merchandise offerings. [WBJ]
Pentagon’s Record Budget Ask — President Trump’s $1.5 trillion defense budget request includes a new “presidential priorities” category, earmarking $750 billion for the Golden Dome missile defense system, drones, artificial intelligence and building up the defense industrial base. The proposed 42% increase from last year would be the biggest year-over-year boost since WWII. [The Hill]
It’s Wednesday — Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms mainly between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. today, with a high near 74, a west wind around 8 mph, and a 50% chance of precipitation. Showers should taper by 8 p.m., with a mostly clear overnight low around 55. [NWS]
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Arlington has overwhelming voted yes for the statewide congressional redistricting amendment, which has now been approved by Virginia voters.
As of 10 p.m., with all Arlington County precincts reporting, the “yes” vote led by 80% to 20% for no. Statewide the race was much closer, with 51.3% for yes and 48.7% for no.
Good Tuesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 21, 2026.
Here is what’s going on Wednesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms before 1 pm, with showers continuing until 2 pm, and isolated thunderstorms after 2 pm. It’s partly sunny with a high near 74°F, and winds will shift from southwest to west at around 8 mph. The precipitation chance is 50%. Wednesday night brings scattered showers and thunderstorms before 8 pm, turning mostly clear with a low of about 55°F. Winds will be from the northwest at 5 mph, becoming light and variable, with a 30% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
– Vince Lombardi
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! If you have something to say about an issue of local note not covered today, feel free to post it as a letter to the editor on our new forum.
School leaders are projecting a gradual decline in student enrollment over the next decade — but they don’t believe it will translate to lower costs.
In total, Arlington Public Schools now projects a 3.7% decrease in enrollment by 2035, even as the number of students in high-risk categories is showing signs of increasing.
Deputies inside the Arlington County jail have started wearing body cameras, a move touted as “a significant step forward in enhancing safety, transparency, and accountability.”
The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office announced the rollout today (Tuesday), saying Axon-brand cameras have been issued to deputies across several operational areas of the jail. ACSO previously used body-worn cameras only in civil process work and inmate transportation.
