Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Accident on 7/24 at Columbia Pike and Walter Reed
Wondering what happened the other night? Anyone that was in the area on Friday night probably noticed the 20 or 30 cop cars surrounding the intersection. Kind of hard to miss. I didn't see it but I heard it was quite a mess and some of the businesses on the corner were struck by the cars.
Here is the press release from the Arlington Police:
ARLINGTON, Va. –The Arlington County Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section is investigating a critical traffic accident that occurred on July 24, 2009. Christopher Bentley, 26, of Triangle, has been charged with Grand Larceny of an Automobile and Felony Hit and Run. he was held without bond.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on Friday, Mr. Bentley was observed by police driving a stolen vehicle taken during a recent burglary. Before officers could initiate a traffic stop, Mr. Bentley drove eastbound through a red light at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Walter Reed Drive, and struck another vehicle. After impact, the suspect ran from the scene of the accident, and apprehended a block away. The driver of the second car, a 46 year old male, was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.
Here is the press release from the Arlington Police:
ARLINGTON, Va. –The Arlington County Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section is investigating a critical traffic accident that occurred on July 24, 2009. Christopher Bentley, 26, of Triangle, has been charged with Grand Larceny of an Automobile and Felony Hit and Run. he was held without bond.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on Friday, Mr. Bentley was observed by police driving a stolen vehicle taken during a recent burglary. Before officers could initiate a traffic stop, Mr. Bentley drove eastbound through a red light at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Walter Reed Drive, and struck another vehicle. After impact, the suspect ran from the scene of the accident, and apprehended a block away. The driver of the second car, a 46 year old male, was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Bat Fest Arlington 2009 on July 25th
"Enjoy a thoroughly batty evening and add to your knowledge of local night life at this bat conservation and appreciation program. See a presentation with live bats, go on a walk to see bats flying and to hear their echolocation calls, and learn about foods that are pollinated by bats.
Kids will be able to play games and make a bat craft while learning lots about our local furry bug zappers. There will be a bat art gallery and quizzes for everyone. Live bat shows will be presented by Leslie Sturges, Director of Bat World NOVA, an organization established in 2001 to promote the conservation and protection of bats in this region.
A bat habitat hike for young children and their families begins at 6:30 p.m., bats won’t be flying until later. A bat talk for families with young children begins at 7 p.m.. Leslie's talk for adults and older children begins at 8 p.m. The adult bat walk will begin at 8:45 p.m. All other activities on-going. Parking lot closed for program.
Please park on Military Rd. or 36th Rd. N. No refund of registration fee after July 3. For information: 703-228-3403. Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207.
Registration Required: Resident registration begins at 8:00am on 5/12/2009. Non-resident registration begins at 8:00am on 5/14/2009."
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Now Available: Arlington County Homeowner Grant
The Arlington County Homeowner Grant program is offered to low and moderate income homeowners. Homeowners who meet the eligibility requirements receive a check issued once a year. The amount of the check is based on household income and assets and the number of dependents claimed on a federal tax return. The filing deadline is December 31. Check out the link for more details.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Drafthouse Bankrupt?
Someone posted this yesterday...thought everyone would want to know. Thanks Poster.
The Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse has filed for bankruptcy reorganization, seven months after pulling the plug on an expansion.
Arlington Cinema Inc. listed assets of less than $100,000 and debt between $1 million and $10 million, according to a voluntary Chapter 11 filing. The filing says it has fewer than 50 creditors. Its biggest debt, listed as disputed, is $5 million owed to Wheaton Plaza and Westfield LLC, its landlord at its failed second location in Wheaton.
Arlington Cinema opened Montgomery Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse in October 2008. It closed the theater and restaurant in mid-December, citing excessive costs and the time-consuming county permitting process. It also said Westfield would not pay the remaining balance on the project’s construction allowance.
Owner Greg Godbout bought the original Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse on Columbia Pike in 2005.
It has expanded from second-run movies and beer, adding a restaurant as well as live music and entertainment. It opened in 1985 in the former Arlington Theater.
The Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse has filed for bankruptcy reorganization, seven months after pulling the plug on an expansion.
Arlington Cinema Inc. listed assets of less than $100,000 and debt between $1 million and $10 million, according to a voluntary Chapter 11 filing. The filing says it has fewer than 50 creditors. Its biggest debt, listed as disputed, is $5 million owed to Wheaton Plaza and Westfield LLC, its landlord at its failed second location in Wheaton.
Arlington Cinema opened Montgomery Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse in October 2008. It closed the theater and restaurant in mid-December, citing excessive costs and the time-consuming county permitting process. It also said Westfield would not pay the remaining balance on the project’s construction allowance.
Owner Greg Godbout bought the original Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse on Columbia Pike in 2005.
It has expanded from second-run movies and beer, adding a restaurant as well as live music and entertainment. It opened in 1985 in the former Arlington Theater.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Have you heard this about ownership of Columbia Pike?
Arlington County Board Seeks Control of Columbia Pike
Move meant to facilitate revitalization, street car program
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Board, citing the need to advance its redevelopment plans of a key east-west corridor, today adopted a resolution seeking control of a 3.5 mile stretch of Columbia Pike now owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
Should the Commonwealth Transportation Board agree to the request, the County would assume full control of the right-of-way from the Arlington-Fairfax County Line to Joyce Street. The County would then be responsible for additional maintenance and operating expenses estimated to cost $180,000 to $450,000. Arlington already maintains all of the traffic signals, streetscape, and bus stops in the corridor and pays for virtually all street improvements.
“Everyone in Arlington has a stake in the successful revitalization of the Columbia Pike corridor,” said County Board Chairman Barbara Favola. “Owning the road and associated right-of-way will make it easier for Arlington to ensure the transformation of Columbia Pike from a suburban highway to an urban, pedestrian focused and transit-oriented main street.”
VDOT ownership slows revitalization
Columbia Pike’s current classification as a primary road under VDOT ownership means that the County must go through an extensive review process with VDOT for even locally funded construction projects. Many of those projects – including a proposed plan to build a streetcar system along the Pike – are not typical of VDOT plans. Often, the County must go through a time-consuming, costly process to obtain design exceptions to implement its plans, leading to project delays. The County expects substantial savings from the avoidance of delays, especially when the streetcar system is built.
Transferring ownership of Columbia Pike to the County would eliminate or reduce VDOT’s involvement in road-related projects along the corridor.
Background
County government, residents and the business community have worked for more than 15 years to create a plan for an urban, pedestrian focused and transit-oriented main street along Columbia Pike. In March 2002, the Board adopted a revitalization plan, the Columbia Pike Initiative, based on extensive community involvement. More than one million square feet of development based on that plan is now being built in the corridor. One major mixed-use development, the Halstead, is completed.
In the past 10 years, the County has spent about $12 million on capital projects along the Pike – all of which required design approval and permits from VDOT. The County has allocated another $9.5 million for planned streetscape and utility undergrounding improvements for the Pike.
A streetcar system has been identified as a solution to address the increasing transit demand along the Pike. The system will ease traffic congestion, improve commutes and encourage land owners and developers to continue to make improvements to and investment in the planned development along Columbia Pike.
Move meant to facilitate revitalization, street car program
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Board, citing the need to advance its redevelopment plans of a key east-west corridor, today adopted a resolution seeking control of a 3.5 mile stretch of Columbia Pike now owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
Should the Commonwealth Transportation Board agree to the request, the County would assume full control of the right-of-way from the Arlington-Fairfax County Line to Joyce Street. The County would then be responsible for additional maintenance and operating expenses estimated to cost $180,000 to $450,000. Arlington already maintains all of the traffic signals, streetscape, and bus stops in the corridor and pays for virtually all street improvements.
“Everyone in Arlington has a stake in the successful revitalization of the Columbia Pike corridor,” said County Board Chairman Barbara Favola. “Owning the road and associated right-of-way will make it easier for Arlington to ensure the transformation of Columbia Pike from a suburban highway to an urban, pedestrian focused and transit-oriented main street.”
VDOT ownership slows revitalization
Columbia Pike’s current classification as a primary road under VDOT ownership means that the County must go through an extensive review process with VDOT for even locally funded construction projects. Many of those projects – including a proposed plan to build a streetcar system along the Pike – are not typical of VDOT plans. Often, the County must go through a time-consuming, costly process to obtain design exceptions to implement its plans, leading to project delays. The County expects substantial savings from the avoidance of delays, especially when the streetcar system is built.
Transferring ownership of Columbia Pike to the County would eliminate or reduce VDOT’s involvement in road-related projects along the corridor.
Background
County government, residents and the business community have worked for more than 15 years to create a plan for an urban, pedestrian focused and transit-oriented main street along Columbia Pike. In March 2002, the Board adopted a revitalization plan, the Columbia Pike Initiative, based on extensive community involvement. More than one million square feet of development based on that plan is now being built in the corridor. One major mixed-use development, the Halstead, is completed.
In the past 10 years, the County has spent about $12 million on capital projects along the Pike – all of which required design approval and permits from VDOT. The County has allocated another $9.5 million for planned streetscape and utility undergrounding improvements for the Pike.
A streetcar system has been identified as a solution to address the increasing transit demand along the Pike. The system will ease traffic congestion, improve commutes and encourage land owners and developers to continue to make improvements to and investment in the planned development along Columbia Pike.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Security Committee Pool Party
Mark your calendars...it's time for a pool party on Saturday. It's going to be from 6 to 8 PM. I was waiting to see if the Crier was going to give more details but alas we have not gotten it yet.
Don't you think the July Crier should be out before the 15th of the month? Perhaps even list the event on the website if you can't get the Crier out in a timely manner? I know this is a topic every month...but the Crier used to come out a lot earlier in past years. Why does it take so much longer now?
Don't you think the July Crier should be out before the 15th of the month? Perhaps even list the event on the website if you can't get the Crier out in a timely manner? I know this is a topic every month...but the Crier used to come out a lot earlier in past years. Why does it take so much longer now?
Friday, July 10, 2009
Do You Pick Up After Your Dog? (or cat)
I see this topic in the Crier all the time and someone posted about it in Wednesday's blog comments. The question is do you pick up after your animal? Do you think that AV residents don't pick up after their dog or do you think it is the surrounding dog owners that litter AV with their non-resident poop?
I know people get wound up around this topic so let's hear about it. Is there a certain location in the Village that has more attacks than others? If so, watch your step.
I know people get wound up around this topic so let's hear about it. Is there a certain location in the Village that has more attacks than others? If so, watch your step.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Stinky Garbage Cans
Just wondering how everyone's garbage cans are smelling about right now? I received an email about the H Courtyard's garbage cans smelling to high heaven and the sighting of cockroaches. I believe the maintenance guys are supposed to wash out the cans when they take out the garbage. Anyone have insight to the procedure?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Columbia Pike almost 200 Years Old
Check out the story in the Sun Gazette. They are already starting to plan festivities for next year to celebrate the history of the road. Should be a great way to show how the corridor is changing and getting better and better.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Even More Information on July 4th Festivities
Didn't get enough from the last post? Check out the Washington Post link and find out where all the fireworks shows are AND what places will pack a picnic for you. Great Information! Have a safe 4th of July. I'm assuming you will be BBQ'ing and not reading the blog until Monday. Will blog at you then.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Where to Watch Fireworks?
According to the Arlington VA website...here are the places they suggest...anyone got a really good spot they'd like to share?
"Popular spots in Arlington to watch the national display are the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) , and areas along the Virginia side of the Potomac River that can be reached from George Washington Memorial Parkway.
If you plan to watch the fireworks from Iwo Jima, take Metro’s Orange line to the Rosslyn Metro station. Approximate walking distance from Rosslyn Metro to Iwo Jima is 0.2 mile.
To reach the George Washington Memorial Parkway’s Gravely Point parking lot, head south on the Parkway until you reach Reagan National Airport. At the airport, circle back to head north onto the Parkway towards the 14th Street Bridge. About a quarter of mile before the bridge, turn right into the parking area. No glass bottles, alcohol or fireworks are allowed at the Gravely Point parking lot or anywhere along the Parkway.
Another place people can go to watch the fireworks is Gateway Park in Rosslyn and the Key Bridge, which crosses the Potomac River between Georgetown and Arlington. Take Metro’s Orange line to the Rosslyn Metro station. Get there early to grab a spot at the bridge. There's no seating at the bridge, and you can stand on the sidewalks only.
A great place to watch fireworks is from the Air Force Memorial , located on a hill on Columbia Pike. You can enjoy a free concert by the Air Force Band, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Closest Metro stations are Pentagon and Pentagon City. You can park at Navy Annex parking lots (enter from Joyce Street or Columbia Pike) or park at Pentagon Mall; be sure to be parked no later than 7:30 p.m.
Traffic alert: a number of streets will be closed on July 4th. Take Metro where possible."
"Popular spots in Arlington to watch the national display are the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) , and areas along the Virginia side of the Potomac River that can be reached from George Washington Memorial Parkway.
If you plan to watch the fireworks from Iwo Jima, take Metro’s Orange line to the Rosslyn Metro station. Approximate walking distance from Rosslyn Metro to Iwo Jima is 0.2 mile.
To reach the George Washington Memorial Parkway’s Gravely Point parking lot, head south on the Parkway until you reach Reagan National Airport. At the airport, circle back to head north onto the Parkway towards the 14th Street Bridge. About a quarter of mile before the bridge, turn right into the parking area. No glass bottles, alcohol or fireworks are allowed at the Gravely Point parking lot or anywhere along the Parkway.
Another place people can go to watch the fireworks is Gateway Park in Rosslyn and the Key Bridge, which crosses the Potomac River between Georgetown and Arlington. Take Metro’s Orange line to the Rosslyn Metro station. Get there early to grab a spot at the bridge. There's no seating at the bridge, and you can stand on the sidewalks only.
A great place to watch fireworks is from the Air Force Memorial , located on a hill on Columbia Pike. You can enjoy a free concert by the Air Force Band, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Closest Metro stations are Pentagon and Pentagon City. You can park at Navy Annex parking lots (enter from Joyce Street or Columbia Pike) or park at Pentagon Mall; be sure to be parked no later than 7:30 p.m.
Traffic alert: a number of streets will be closed on July 4th. Take Metro where possible."
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