Over $400,000 in funding for immigration-related services is included in a package of grants that the Arlington County Board approved for local nonprofits this week.
However, one Arlington-based organization focused on immigrant communities — the Ethiopian Community Development Council — pushed back at a County Board meeting on Tuesday after a selection panel declined to recommend funding the nonprofit. Board members declined to bend the rules to help, but said they would help the group find additional streams of funding and other support.
Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls in Falls Church (courtesy of Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls)
A new fast-casual seafood restaurant opened yesterday in Falls Church, serving New England-style lobster rolls and seafood.
Annapolis, Md.-based Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is soft opening now on the ground floor of The Oak condominiums on 243 West Falls Station Blvd. It’s the first restaurant to open at the West Falls development, with more eateries expected later this year.
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.
What defines luxury in housing? It’s perhaps the most overused word in the English language. I recently saw a sign for “Affordable Luxury Apartments” and smiled to myself. Arlington, particularly Rosslyn, with communities like Turnberry Tower, Pierce, and Gaslight Square, has achieved critical mass in luxury condominium options. The condo market in Arlington continues to get better, consumers demand more thoughtful design, and local product becomes more desirable. For new condominiums, luxury is really made up of two factors: price point of the offering (a reflection of location, unit finishes and quality of plan), and condo fees (amenities, level of service.)
Pricing is predominantly set by the location. A majority of value is determined by neighborhood desirability, socio-economics of its residents, quality of schools, convenience to employment, retail, transit, market factors, and social centers. Arlington has all of these in spades!
An anti-Elon Musk protest in front of the Tesla store on S. Glebe Road (staff photo by James Cullum)
County Approves Grants — “On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Arlington County Board awarded grants totaling more than $1.8 million to 23 nonprofits serving Arlington. This funding was awarded as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026) equity-based grant program, RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community.” [Arlington County]
Arlingtonians Protest Cuts — “Parents and teachers across the country, including the DMV, are standing against cuts to the U.S. Department of Education. It’s part of the National Education Association’s ‘Walk-In to Protect Our Students and Families.’ … Parents and students at Barcroft Elementary School stood outside Wednesday morning expressing their concerns about dismantling the Department of Education and how it could hurt students, families, and teachers, especially at Title I schools.” [DC News Now]
Pedestrian Struck Tuesday Afternoon — A pedestrian was struck by a driver along Washington Blvd, near ramps to and from the GW Parkway. Initially reported to be unconscious by 911 callers, the pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to U.S. Park Police. [ARLnow/X]
ACFD’s Busiest Rescue Truck — “In 2024, Rescue 109 was our busiest Rescue in Arlington with 1,928 calls. Our Rescue Companies are staffed with 4 personnel that are all trained to a specific specialty team. R109 is part of the Hazardous Materials Team and responds to all incidents that involve victim rescues.” [ACFD/X]
D.C. Cherry Blossom Update — “Mild weather is hastening the development of D.C.’s famed cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. On Wednesday, the National Park Service said the blossom buds reached their third stage: extension of florets.” [Capital Weather Gang, National Mall NPS/X]
It’s Thursday — Expect cloudy conditions and rain showers after 2pm with a high of 71°F, accompanied by a southeast wind of 9-15 mph, gusting up to 24 mph, and a 90% chance of precipitation. Rainfall amounting to a quarter to half an inch is possible. On Thursday night, showers will mainly occur before 2am, with lows around 37°F, a northwest wind of 11-18 mph, and gusts up to 37 mph. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation with similar rainfall amounts. [NWS]
Residents worried about our urban forest, their neighbor’s tree, or the declining oak in their own yard can apply now for a seven-week course to learn about trees and become a volunteer Tree Steward with Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria.
A sunken portion of sidewalk along Wilson Blvd. in Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington neighborhoods have long held what amounts to veto power over the installation of new sidewalks, but that may soon change.
County Manager Mark Schwartz recently told two advisory panels he is interested in developing a countywide sidewalk plan to fill in gaps — and potentially override the views of individual communities.
Expect showers to begin after 2pm with a high of 71°F, accompanied by a southeast wind of 9-15 mph, gusting up to 24 mph, and a 90% chance of precipitation. Rainfall amounting to a quarter to half an inch is possible. On Thursday night, showers will mainly occur before 2am, with lows around 37°F, a northwest wind of 11-18 mph, and gusts up to 37 mph. There’s an 80% chance of precipitation with similar rainfall amounts. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“A heart filled with love is like a phoenix that no cage can imprison.” – Rumi
Clarendon Presbyterian Church has been seeking to redevelop its property at 1305 N. Jackson Street in partnership with True Ground Housing Partners. Conceptual site plans filed last May depict a six-story building with 102 units, as well as a church and childcare center totaling 8,530 square feet.
The 7-Eleven store located at 201 S. Glebe Road in Arlington Heights (staff photo by Jared Serre)
Arlington prosecutors have declined to pursue charges against a convenience store employee accused of slashing an alleged shoplifter with a knife.
The 24-year-old employee faced two misdemeanor charges stemming from the Dec. 16 incident, in which he allegedly pursued and confronted two men who left a 7-Eleven in Arlington Heights without paying for beer and other items.
The First Four games of March Madness continue tonight (Wednesday), with American University facing Mount St. Mary’s at 6:40 p.m.
Arlington and Falls Church are home to no shortage of venues to watch the game while enjoying a happy hour. Here are a couple places to find food and drink deals, watch parties and some friendly bracket competitions.
