🌱 Arlington's Annual Bird Poop Problem + Arlington County Budget

Hello again, everybody! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Arlington Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Cooler; a little p.m. rain. High: 48 Low: 44.
• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 82 Low: 48.

Business owners and marketers in Arlington: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Arlington today:

1. It's that time of year to talk about the annual bird poop issue in Arlington. Near The Village at Shirlington, residents report that bird poop is everywhere, including the sidewalks, buildings, plants, parking meters, and signs. Resident David Lage said, "When I walk my dog at night I carry an umbrella" to avoid getting popped on by birds. Catherine Sevcenko, executive director of Northern Virginia wildlife rehabilitation organization Diva Crows, said that crows, sparrows, starlings, and pigeons like to gather in the Shirlington area in the winter. She said not much can be done about this annual problem, but recommended patience and a power washer. (Fox 5)
2. If the Arlington County Board approves the fiscal year 2024 county budget proposal, Arlington homeowners can expect to pay about $454 more in annual property taxes and fees. The new proposed budget is a $42.1 million, or a 2.8 percent, increase over the county's fiscal year 2023 budget. The board will discuss the proposed budget at public hearings in March. (Arlington Patch)
3. The Arlington Planning Commission will host a public hearing for the Arlington County government’s current Missing Middle (MM) plan. The hearing will start at 7:00 p.m. on Mar. 6. Learn more about the MM plan here. On Mar. 18, the Arlington County Board will have its final vote on the MM up-zoning plan. (Arlingtonians for Our Sustainable Future via Twitter- Thread)

Today and tomorrow in Arlington:

Wednesday, February 22

• Arlington VA's Homeless Response System's Strategic Plan (Families) At Arlington Central Library (5:00 PM)
• Live Music: Tony Craddock, Jr. At Busboys And Poets (6:00 PM)

Thursday, February 23

• Exhibition - Crisis of Image At Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (12:00 PM)
• Black History Month Panel At Excella (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Arlington County Police Department is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred on Feb. 21 in the 2500 block of S. Arlington Mill Drive. If you have any information about the crash, you're encouraged to contact the police. (The Arlington County Police Department via Facebook)
• Do you know someone who is an exceptional volunteer at Arlington Public Schools? Nominate them for the Honored Citizen award here! The nomination deadline is Mar. 13. (APS School Board via Twitter)
• Arlington County Parks and Recreation is offering help for summer camp registration! Every Saturday in March from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Department of Parks & Recreation will be open to help with registration. (Arlington County Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Speech Therapy Clinic Grand Opening (February 25)
• Feel the Heritage Festival (February 25)
• XP League Open House (February 25)
• Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show (February 26)
• An 8-Week Menopause Info & Discussion Group in Bethesda (February 28)
• Maryland Lyric Opera Presents: VERDI'S OTELLO (March 3)
• Maryland Lyric Opera Presents: VERDI'S OTELLO (March 5)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!