County Board | ARLnow.com

Affordable housing proposal in Aurora Highlands nears milestone, despite objections

Published May 15, 2024 at 3:35PM | Updated May 15, 2024 at 4:22PM

Melwood's property at 750 23rd Street S. in Aurora Highlands (via Google Maps)

Plans to build an affordable housing development near Crystal City could take a key step forward next week despite a neighborhood association’s objections.

A request to advertise hearings on a possible land-use amendment for the Melwood property in Aurora Highlands is scheduled to go before the Arlington County Board on Tuesday. At issue is the possibility of shifting the site’s zoning designation from “public” to “low-medium residential” — bringing a proposal to build 104 units of affordable housing “within the realm of consideration,” a county report says.

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Missing Middle, visions of growth in Arlington debated at County Board candidate forum

By Dan Egitto

Published May 9, 2024 at 3:35PM

A Committee of 100 candidate forum (via Arlington Committee of 100/Facebook)

Competing visions of housing and development in Arlington underpinned a County Board candidate forum Wednesday night.

In particular focus at the Arlington Committee of 100 event were divided stances on Missing Middle. Supporting the rezoning policy, which the Board unanimously approved last year, are Democrats Tenley Peterson and JD Spain.

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County awards $2.4M to local nonprofits through equity-based grant pilot

By Dan Egitto

Published April 25, 2024 at 11:30AM

Arlington County Board members discussing a new grant program (photo via Arlington County/YouTube)

Arlington has awarded $2.4 million to nonprofits in a new equity-based grant program.

The county announced yesterday (Wednesday) that a total of 22 nonprofits received funding through the RACE to Rebuilding Trust and Community grant, designed to “support historically marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to resources, transparency and accountability.” The Arlington County Board approved the grants in a unanimous vote.

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County Board’s stance on Israel-Hamas war considered amid ceasefire demands

By Dan Egitto

Published April 23, 2024 at 11:45AM

Activists calling for a ceasefire in Gaza at an Arlington County Board meeting (via Arlington County/YouTube)

Arlington County Board members broke several months of relative silence on the Israel-Hamas war this weekend.

Responding to demands for a county resolution in support of a ceasefire, several officials on Saturday voiced personal concerns about the conflict’s ongoing humanitarian toll. Although county leaders “do not handle international relations,” Chair Libby Garvey said, “I think we are all absolutely appalled and horrified by what’s going on.”

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Libby Garvey endorses County Board candidate to succeed her

By ARLnow.com

Published April 23, 2024 at 9:45AM

Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey, left, and Board candidate Tenley Peterson (courtesy Tenley Peterson for Arlington County Board)

The sitting chair of the Arlington County Board and its longest-tenured member has endorsed her would-be successor.

Libby Garvey made her endorsement of Tenley Peterson official today, after hinting at it over the past few months. Former County Board member Christian Dorsey also announced his endorsement of Peterson.

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Speed limits on these Arlington roads are dropping to 25 mph

By Dan Egitto

Published April 22, 2024 at 10:30AM

A 30 mph sign in the foreground and an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing in the background along N. Carlin Springs Road near N. George Mason Drive (via Google Maps)

Lower speed limits are going into effect on five Arlington roads.

The Arlington County Board on Saturday voted to reduce the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph on the following streets north of Arlington Blvd:

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Arlington County Board approves budget with first tax rate hike in five years

By ARLnow.com

Published April 22, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated April 22, 2024 at 9:30AM

Arlington County Board voting on FY 2025 budget (via Arlington County/YouTube)

The average Arlington homeowner will see a significant tax increase as part of the new, $1.65 billion county budget.

The Arlington County Board on Saturday approved the FY 2025 budget, which includes a 2 cent tax rate increase. Paired with a 3.3% increase in home values, it will raise property taxes for the average homeowner $430 annually — a 5.3% increase.

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New landmarks and historic home restoration among Arlington-funded projects requesting more time

By Dan Egitto

Published April 18, 2024 at 10:30AM

Fraber House in 2013 (via Arlington County)

Several projects approved in Arlington’s inaugural round of historic preservation grants may need some more time to wrap up.

The Arlington County Board on Saturday will consider extending agreements with five projects that were among the first to receive county dollars last year from the Historic Preservation Fund. The grant recipients originally agreed to finish by June 30, but due to “unpredictable delays,” a county report recommends pushing back the deadline to Dec. 31.

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Former County Board members cast endorsements as donations flow into Arlington campaigns

By Dan Egitto

Published April 18, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated April 18, 2024 at 12:59PM

Election Day 2022 in Arlington (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 10:35 a.m.) Democratic candidates are racking up tens of thousands of dollars in donations, as well as numerous notable endorsements, as this year’s local races heat up.

Three Arlington County Board contenders are leading the pack in terms of donations for this election cycle, campaign finance reports show. Natalie Roy has raised about $41,000 so far, JD Spain has raised $37,000 and Tenley Peterson has raised $23,000.

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Construction of park and street upgrades near HQ2 slated for County Board consideration

By Dan Egitto

Published April 17, 2024 at 11:30AM

The Sage Modern Apartments and half of the 'Teardrop Parcel' slated to become 'Arlington Junction Park' (via Google Maps)

Construction of a new park near Amazon’s HQ2 as well as improvements to sidewalks and bike lanes in the area could begin soon.

Arlington Junction Park is projected to be complete at 1051 S. Eads Street in about 18 months, if the Arlington County Board approves a $2.5 million contract on Saturday. The Board will also consider $2.9 million for two projects to improve S. Eads Street between Army Navy Drive and 15th Street South.

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Arlington taxi companies may get fee relief amid steep drop in riders

By ARLnow.com

Published April 17, 2024 at 9:30AM

Red Top cabs in 2013 (file photo)

Arlington County may drop an annual fee for taxi companies.

The county currently charges $150 for an annual cab certificate renewal. With 441 taxicabs currently operating in Arlington, the fee would generate about $66,000 in annual revenue for the county.

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Free after-school programs, support for children with behavioral issues among top demands at Arlington budget hearing

By Dan Egitto

Published April 5, 2024 at 2:30PM | Updated April 5, 2024 at 2:46PM

VOICE volunteer Tony Striner at an Arlington County Board budget hearing (photo via Arlington County/YouTube)

Continued calls for a $2 million investment in Arlington after-school programs dominated a Tuesday meeting on the county budget.

Funding for children with behavioral issues, nature centers and a public library were among numerous other priorities that over 60 speakers expressed at the Arlington County Board meeting.