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Morning Notes

Published May 20, 2020 at 7:30AM

Arlington Waiving Affordable Housing Loan Payments — “The Board approved allowing borrowers of County Multifamily Revolving Loan Funds the option of waiving their 2020 loan payments if they commit to using the money to address rent and vacancy losses and emergency needs that are associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.” [Arlington County]

County Delaying Purchase of Property Near Shirlington — “In order to keep their options open, the Arlington County Board will make another $175,000 payment to hold open the possibility of acquiring two parcels adjacent to the Arlington Cultural Affairs facility in the Four Mile Run corridor.” [InsideNova]

News

County: Please Stop Dumping Yard Waste in Parks

By ARLnow.com

Published May 18, 2020 at 11:55AM

Arlington officials are asking residents to refrain from dumping their yard waste in county parks.

The request, which is being made via neighborhood newsletters, comes after the county suspended the curbside collection of yard waste due to the pandemic. Collection crews have been strained by significant increases in residential trash and recycling collection volumes, necessitating the temporary suspension.

News

Officials Say Arlington May Reopen in Mini-Phases

By Vernon Miles

Published May 15, 2020 at 3:55PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 11:20AM

(Updated 5/18) Large portions of the state partially reopened today, but not Northern Virginia.

As the region moves closer to a potential reopening after Memorial Day, however, Arlington officials say residents should expect things to move slowly, and a bit unevenly.

Opinion

Morning Poll: Should Arlington Parks Reopen for Passive Recreation?

By ARLnow.com

Published May 7, 2020 at 10:15AM

Arlington County’s parks are closed, a safety precaution intended to prevent overcrowding and the spread of the coronavirus.

While trails are open, the closure of parks has reduced recreation options for those seeking to get outside as the weather gets warmer. That, along with the county deciding against closing vehicle lanes for extra space, may be factors contributing to more crowded sidewalks and trails.

Around Town

Arlington County Summer Programs Cancelled

By ARLnow.com

Published April 30, 2020 at 9:30AM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 11:20AM

Arlington County has cancelled its popular summer classes and programs, citing concerns about the ongoing coronavirus danger.

The county’s Department of Parks and Recreation announced Thursday that the activities for everyone from tots to older adults are the latest annual tradition to fall victim to the pandemic. The county is still mulling the status of summer camps for kids and expects to make a decision in early May.

News

County Officials Reminding Residents to Stay Out of Closed Parks, Maintain Distance on Trails

By ARLnow.com

Published April 7, 2020 at 2:30PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 11:21AM

Arlington officials are reminding residents that it’s okay to go outside during the pandemic — as long as they maintain social distancing and stay out of closed facilities.

With the weather turning warmer, the Arlington Dept. of Parks and Recreation yesterday posted a reminder to Twitter about the closures and the need to maintain a 6-foot distance from others, including on increasingly crowded local trails. It has also been posting signs about social distancing around local parks.

News

Arlington Improvising to Address Coronavirus-Driven Needs While Stopping the Spread

By Vernon Miles

Published April 3, 2020 at 3:50PM

Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey provides an update on the county's COVID-19 efforts outside Arlington Central Library (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

On Friday, Arlington Central Library was transformed into a storage space for donated goods, serving as a symbol for the county’s efforts to improvise solutions in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The idea of today’s one-day donation drive was to “to collect unused, unopened containers of essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, and certain food to assist essential employees, nonprofits and community organizations with coronavirus (COVID-19) response operations.”

News

BREAKING: Athletic Fields, Dog Parks, Playgrounds Closing in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published March 23, 2020 at 2:55PM

All Arlington dog parks, fields and playgrounds are closing in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Amid quickly rising cases and community spread of the virus in the county, Arlington Public Schools and Arlington’s Dept. of Parks and Recreation are locking down most outdoor recreational facilities where people congregate. That follows the last week’s closure of indoor community centers.

News

County Calls for Farmers Market Closures

By ARLnow.com

Published March 20, 2020 at 4:35PM | Updated March 26, 2020 at 3:09PM

Update at 11:20 p.m. — The Westover Farmers Market announced that it is now “closed until further notice.”

Earlier: At least one Arlington farmers markets is still, as of Friday afternoon, scheduled to be held over the next week, despite calls for closures.

News

All Community Centers to Close After Tonight

By ARLnow.com

Published March 17, 2020 at 4:25PM

The last remaining open Arlington community centers will close indefinitely after 8 p.m. tonight.

The Fairlington, Walter Reed, Arlington Mill, Thomas Jefferson and Langston-Brown community centers had remained open this week, with modified hours, while others were closed. All will now be shuttered until further notice.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published March 17, 2020 at 7:30AM

Mass Cancelled at Catholic Churches — “On Monday, March 16, 2020, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Diocese of Arlington… announced that the public celebration of all Masses in the Diocese is suspended until further notice.” [Press Release]

Food Donations Needed — “We have already seen a sharp decrease in food donations from our local grocery stores. AFAC has begun to purchase more food to offset the drop of food available on our shelves. Please think about making a donation to AFAC to help us keep our warehouse full for our families in need.” [Arlington Food Assistance Center]

News

JUST IN: Arlington Coronavirus Cases Now Up to Five

By ARLnow.com

Published March 13, 2020 at 3:55PM | Updated September 23, 2020 at 11:22AM

Coronavirus (photo via CDC/Unsplash)

The number of coronavirus cases in Arlington has reached five, according to the Virginia Dept. of Health.

The VDH website now lists 5 cases in Arlington, 6 in Fairfax County, and 1 in Alexandria. In total, there are 30 cases throughout the state and 10 hospitalizations.