After two nomadic years, the congregation of The Church at Clarendon (1210 N. Highland Street) is getting ready to return to their newly-renovated church sanctuary.

Since construction began in late 2009, the congregation has been meeting in venues like Rosslyn’s Top of the Town conference facility and at the First Baptist Church of Ballston. Starting on March 4, they’ll be back home.

Rev. David Perdue, the church’s Interim Senior Pastor, says he’s hoping to not only welcome back those who have stuck with the church through the construction, but to attract new, younger worshipers who might have moved to the area in the intervening years.

“We’re reintroducing ourselves to the community,” Rev. Perdue said. “We’re prepared to receive visitors and let them know: this is who we are.”

The journey to the church’s upcoming homecoming, however, has been a bumpy one. Founded in 1909 as the Clarendon Baptist Church, the church had its heyday in the 1950s and 60s, when up to 2,000 congregants would pack the pews for Sunday services.

The congregation started to wane in the 1970s, and by the 2002 Sunday attendance was consistently dipping below 100. Faced with an aging congregation, a large, aging building, costly needed repairs and utility bills that exceeded $100,000 per year, church leaders took bold action. They hired Rev. Perdue, who formed a younger, more contemporary congregation to supplement the older, traditional congregation, and then struck a deal with Arlington County and a nonprofit developer.

The church sold its “air rights” to the developer for $5.6 million. The developer, in turn, would build an eight-story affordable apartment building — to be called “The Views at Clarendon” — while renovating the two story church below it. It seemed like a win-win: 70 affordable apartments would be added to the Clarendon area (in addition to 46 market-rate apartments), while the church was saved from potential financial ruin.

But the deal would prove to be controversial. Neighbors in Lyon Village sued to block the planned 10-story church/apartment complex, citing separation of church and state and the steep per-unit cost of the subsidized affordable apartments. In the end the lawsuit was dismissed and construction proceed as planned.

Rev. Perdue is hoping to heal any remaining hard feelings.

“If there’s a way for us to promote some healing… we’d be all for that,” he said.

To promote the homecoming, church members marched in last night’s Clarendon Mardi Gras parade and are planning on handing out flyers at the Clarendon Metro station on Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3. They’re also hoping to attract residents from the new apartments above the church, which started leasing in December. Residents are welcome to come downstairs and attend services in their pajamas, Rev. Perdue said.

“There’s no dress code,” he noted.

Reagan National Airport has set a new air service record.

The airport served a record-breaking 18.8 million passengers in 2011, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. That’s a nearly 4 percent increase over 2010, which compares favorably to the national passenger growth average of 1.5 percent.

The growth may continue in 2012, thanks to new and expanded service that’s coming to DCA starting on March 25.

US Airways is in the process of adding non-stop service to 11 new cities via Reagan National. And JetBlue is increasing service to its existing destination, while providing new daily service to Tampa.

“Even during these challenging times for the aviation industry, we are very pleased that in 2011 we were able to not only continue to provide excellent air service for the region but also to attract new airlines and service,” MWAA President and CEO Jack Potter said in a statement.

Flickr pool photo by BrianMKA

A YouTube video of an amazing half-court buzzer beater in a key game between Washington-Lee and Wakefield is making the rounds today among local hoops fans.

The video (above) was recorded by Arlington Independent Media during  last week’s National District semifinal game between two Arlington high schools: Washington-Lee and Wakefield.

According to the Sun Gazette, Wakefield had just tied the game at 60-60 with a last-second three pointer. Then, with 1.2 seconds to go, W-L inbounded the ball to junior Winston Duncan, who sunk the winning basket from half court.

Washington-Lee fans rushed the court in celebration, but that’s where the team’s jubilation ended. The team went on to lose by 9 points in the National District championship game and has since been eliminated from the Northern Region tournament.

Hat tip to @31nader

Someone broke into an Alcova Heights apartment last week, used the bathroom, and didn’t flush. From this week’s Arlington County crime report:

UNLAWFUL ENTRY, 02/17/12, 3600 block of S. 5th Street. Between 7:45 am, on February 14, and 6 pm, on February 15, an unknown subject entered the victim’s apartment and used the bathroom. There were no items reported missing. There is no suspect description.

According to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck, the bathroom bandit may not have flushed, but he or she did, at least, turn off the lights.

“An unknown subject defacated in the victims toilet and didn’t flush,” Sternbeck said in an email. “The suspect also turned off interior lights in the residence that were left on… there were no signs of forced entry.”

Sternbeck said he could not recall any similar incidents in Arlington in recent memory. The rest of this week’s crime report, after the jump.

SEXUAL BATTERY, 02/21/12, 3200 block of Wilson Boulevard. On February 21, at 6:15 pm, a victim was touched inappropriately during a body massage. The victim left the business immediately and reported the incident to police. The investigation continues at this time.

MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 02/15/12, 600 block of N Wakefield Street. On February 15 at 3:30 pm, a subject attempted to strangle his mother. The juvenile suspect of Arlington was charged with assault.

MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 02/16/12, 1900 block of N Culpepper Street. At 2:30 am on February 12, a subject pushed a victim down a flight of stairs. The suspect is described as a black male, 5’7”, and 190 lbs.

MALICIOUS WOUNDING BY MOB, 02/19/12, 1200 block of N. Herndon Street. Just prior to 2 am on February 19, multiple suspects assaulted a victim. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle and the victim was transported to Fairfax Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. There are no suspect descriptions.

MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 02/17/12, 1500 block of Wilson Boulevard. A 9:30 pm on February 17, a known subject punched a male victim after a verbal exchange. The victim was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. A warrant was obtained for the known suspect.

ATTEMPTED MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 02/19/12, 500 block S. Army Navy Drive. On February 19, at 1:40 am, a suspect assaulted a known victim and attempted to stab her with a knife in their hotel room. The victim was able to exit the room and call 911 from the front desk. Vasean Gillis, 37, of District heights, MD, was arrested and charged with attempted malicious wounding. Gillis was held without bond.

BURGLARY, 02/17/12, 4300 block of N. Fairfax Street. Between 7 pm, on February 16, and 8 am, on February 17, an unknown subject broke into an office and stole a laptop. Entry was made through the front door. There is no suspect description.

BURGLARY, 02/19/12, 1900 block of Columbia Pike. Between 3 pm, on February 18, and 11:20 am, on February 19, an unknown subject(s) entered a locked apartment and stole various items. Items reported stolen include jewelry, electronics, purses and alcohol. There is no suspect(s) description.

BURGLARY, 02/21/12, 6900 block of N. Fairfax Drive. Between 9 am and 5 pm, on February 21, an unknown subject entered a victim’s residence through a rear window and stole various items. Items stolen include a laptop, credit cards, cash and jewelry. There is no suspect description.

BURGLARY, 02/21/12, 900 block of S. Wakefield Street. Shortly after 10 am on February 21, multiple subjects kicked in the front door of an apartment and stole various items. Items reported stolen include laptops, cash, jewelry and cell phones. The suspects fled the apartment after being confronted by a neighbor and left the scene in two vehicles. The suspects were described as adult males 18-26 years old, wearing black jackets and black ski masks.

Clarendon’s annual Mardi Gras parade marched up Wilson Boulevard last night, to the delight of hundreds of paradegoers.

Among the those marching in this year’s parade were the Ballou High School Band, Washington Nationals mascot Screech, the D.C. Rollergirls, and the all-women, Afro-Brazilian/samba-reggae percussion band Batala Washington. Local businesses, churches, nonprofits and political parties also took part.

Photos by Erin Schwartz Sutherland

St. George’s Episcopal Church (915 N. Oakland Street) in Virginia Square is trying something new this year: bringing the ashes to the masses.

This morning, as commuters rushed off to work, ministers from St. George’s stood outside the Virginia Square Metro station placing ashes on the forehead of anyone interested in partaking in the solemn Ash Wednesday tradition, which usually takes place inside a church.

“Ashes to Go,” as the service was called, is an outreach initiative that has spread from churches in San Francisco and St. Louis to other cities across the country.

“‘Ashes to Go’ is about bringing church to the people: bringing spirit, belief, and belonging out from behind church doors, and into the places where we go every day,” the church said in a press release. “It’s a simple event with deep meaning, drawing on centuries of tradition and worship across denominations to provide a contemporary moment of grace.”

St. George’s will be back at the Metro station during tonight’s evening commute, offering the imposition of Ashes prior to the church’s 7:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday service.

Dust at Courthouse Metro Station — We’ve heard from several readers who were concerned about a high concentration of construction dust at the Courthouse Metro station yesterday. Apparently, the dust was left over from track work over the weekend. Not to fear, says WMATA spokesman Dan Stessel. According to Stessel, the dust was “not harmful.”

General Assembly Approves ‘Conscience Clause’ Bill — The state legislature has passed — and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) says he will sign — a bill that would allow private adoptions agencies legally discriminate against gay couples for religious or moral reasons. [Associated Press, Reuters]

McDonnell Reconsidering Abortion Ultrasound Bill? — Gov. Bob McDonnell “is backing off his unconditional support” for a bill that would require women to receive a potentially invasive, medically unnecessary ultrasound before receiving an abortion. The bill drew more than a thousand protesters to Richmond over the weekend, and has attracted national attention. Both Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show have recently taken turns poking fun at it. Lawmakers are said to be working on a compromise version of the bill. [Washington Post]

Lopez Claims Free Clinic Victory — Del. Alfonso Lopez says his budget amendment to restore $1.6 million in funding to Virginia’s free clinics has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee. Gov. Bob McDonnell had called for cuts to free clinics, arguing that the federal health care reform bill will grant health coverage to many of the low income individuals who use the clinics. The cuts would have impacted the local Arlington Free Clinic. [Del. Alfonso Lopez]

Seventeen-Year-Olds to Vote in Board Election? — Civic-minded 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote in the upcoming March 27 County Board special election — provided they turn 18 by this year’s general election date (Nov. 6). [Sun Gazette]

Flickr pool photo by BrianMKA

The Arlington County Fire Department is on the scene of a reported fire at Key Elementary School (2300 Key Blvd).

Initial reports suggest the fire is contained to the school’s freezer and possibly electrical in nature. The school has been evacuated, according to scanner traffic.

Firefighters on the scene say they were able to extinguish the small blaze after power to the freezer was shut down.

The Chevys Fresh Mex restaurant in the Ballston mall has suddenly closed.

Workers have been there all day clearing out the restaurant and taking down signs and lights. A long table now blocks the mall entrance, and the name has already been removed from the outside facade.

Two employees say the Ballston location is just one of the several closing across the country as part of the restaurant chain’s restructuring plan. Real Mex Restaurants Inc. owns the chain and filed for Chapter 11 in October, due to what it called high debt, high rents and a weak economy. A bankruptcy court approved the sale of the company last week.

The Chevy’s location at Pentagon City will remain open and an employee there said they’re still “going strong.”

After a number of delays, the long awaited construction on the Overlee Community Association pool and clubhouse (6030 Lee Hwy) has begun. Final permits were obtained just last week, allowing construction to move forward.

The delay in obtaining county permits has been one of the numerous factors contributing to overall project delays, according to Overlee Long Range Planning Committee Chairman Chris Tai. He explained that a project like this is difficult due to squeezing a number of different things onto one compact site.

To those who criticize the length of time the project has taken to get going, Tai suggests remaining focused on forward progress.

“There’s plenty of time later to go back and figure out what could have been done differently,” Tai said. “But for now, we’re focused on getting the pool open and minimizing the disruption to members and the community in general.”

Demolition of the pool and the late 19th centruy clubhouse began in January and recently finished. Currently, crews at the site have begun construction on the new pool, deck and surrounding facilites.

The plan is to open different sections of the club in phases as they’re completed. Safety barriers will surround areas that are still under construction. The goal is to get the bath house and lap pool opened first, so swimmers can get back in the water as soon as possible. At this point, the best estimate for opening the main pool and surrounding deck is early June. The clubhouse will open last, possibly as soon as mid-July.

Tai says the lack of a clubhouse for at least part of the season should come as no surprise to members.

“We told all our members from day one that they shouldn’t anticipate much use of the clubhouse this coming summer,” Tai said. “The priority is to get the main pool up and running as soon as possible.”

Some members have expressed dismay at losing use of the private club’s facilities for a portion of the year and have suggested pro-rating fees. So far, the Overlee board does not have plans to approve such a measure.

According to the Overlee construction blog, which tracks progress on the new pool, the board had actually considered deferring the project until after this summer because of all the delays. That idea was scrapped when the board further examined safety, the need to change out personnel and the potential for higher costs if the project is further delayed. It was given the green light for this year, despite missing the original Memorial Day goal and cutting into the swimming season.

Tai said the hope is that no more obstacles will arise and the first portion of the new pool can open in June, according to the new schedule.

“Now we’re just really looking forward to charging ahead with construction,” Tai said.

Arlington Police and the Arlington Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint somewhere in the county on Friday.

All vehicles that pass through the checkpoint will be stopped and drivers asked to provide licenses. Any drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other substances will be ushered to a safe area nearby for further observation and possible testing. The checkpoint location will not be revealed ahead of time.

The checkpoint is part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, in support of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-led crackdown on drunk driving. The program combines high-visibility DUI enforcement with public awareness to deter intoxicated individuals from getting behind the wheel.

Virginia’s maximum penalty for the first conviction for driving under the influence is 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine and the suspension of driving privileges for 12 months.

Capital Bikeshare’s expansion along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor continues its push westward. In the past week, two new stations have popped up in the Virginia Square neighborhood.

A 19-dock Bikeshare station was installed near the Virginia Square metro station (901 N. Monroe St), and another one went up directly in front of the Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St), with 11 docks.

The stations, which appear to take very little time to install on location, have been spreading rapidly throughout Arlington since the fall. In October, we reported that the Central Library had been hoping to have a Bikeshare station by some point in the spring, but it was already installed last week.

There are at least a dozen additional stations approved to be built in Arlington this spring, and another dozen proposed stations awaiting approval from various sources. All are concentrated near the orange line corridor, with locations in the works from Rosslyn to the Bluemont neighborhood.

You can suggest locations where you think stations should be installed on Capital Bikeshare’s website. The interactive map also allows you to see where other people have suggested installing stations.