🌱 Pro-Missing Middle Rally + Arlington Favorite 'Skydome' Reopens

Hi all. I'm back with your new copy of the Arlington Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler; afternoon showers. High: 48 Low: 40.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Arlington, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Arlington Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in and around Arlington today:

1. Community groups held a pro-Missing Middle rally at Arlington’s Courthouse Plaza Saturday afternoon in support of zoning changes that would allow multifamily housing units in areas currently zoned for single-family homes. The goal of the major zoning change, according to Arlington County, is to increase and diversify the county's housing supply and provide more housing options for residents to choose from. The rally featured speakers from the NAACP Arlington Branch, League of Women Voters, Sierra Club, Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement, and YIMBYs of Northern Virginia. The Arlington County Board is scheduled to vote on the major zoning changes Mar. 18. (Patch)
2. Arlington's Skydome, a unique rotating rooftop restaurant, is reopening after a three-year hiatus. Located atop the 15-story Hilton DoubleTree Hotel on Army Navy Drive, the restaurant has undergone renovations since closing at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and now boasts a new menu and head chef. It offers panoramic views of the District and is open for dinner only, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5-10 p.m. Officials claim the dining room seats up to 100 people and can also be reserved for special events including private or semi-private events. (WUSA 9)
3. In nearby Washington D.C., the iconic cherry trees could hit record early bloom this year! The National Park Service says the cherry tree has already begun to bud, revealing the first stage of the bloom cycle. Officials believe it's a sign that spring, and cherry blossom season, is again on the way early, amid well above average temperatures for February. The earliest peak bloom on record is Mar. 15, 1990, a date that could be "in play this year." (WTKR)

From our sponsor:

The hustle and bustle of daily life can cause people to become overwhelmed and burnt out — many without even realizing it. BetterHelp online therapy wants to remind you to prioritize yourself. If you're stressed out, talking to someone can help you figure out what's causing it. To get started, just complete a quick, confidential questionnaire, and you can be matched with a professional therapist in less than 48 hours. Get matched today.

Today in Arlington:

• Monday Evening Climbing At Crystal City Movement (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Help students refuel as they learn and play by volunteering to make snack bags for AHC Inc. affordable housing students! Homemade snack bags are welcome. Learn more at the link. (Volunteer Arlington via Facebook)
• Arlington County Parks and Recreation shared a post thanking Arlingtonians for sharing their valuable input on the Walter Reed Outdoor Pickleball Court project at their pop-up engagement yesterday morning. Residents can learn more and provide additional feedback here. (Arlington County Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• The Village at Shirlington residents have complaints about bird poop this time of year. Catherine Sevcenko, executive director of Northern Virginia wildlife rehabilitation organization Diva Crows, recommends patience and a power washer for those who live and work nearby. Crows like to gather in the Shirlington area in the winter, although they aren't the only ones to blame, joining sparrows, starlings, pigeons, and more, she said. (FOX 5)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• ORS Interactive, Inc. - Northern VA Certified Food Managers — (Visit website)
• VIDA STYLE Consignment Shop — (Visit Website)
• Virginia VA Notary — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• FREE WEBINAR | "The Beauty of Botticelli" (February 28)
• An 8-Week Menopause Info & Discussion Group in Bethesda (February 28)
• Maryland Lyric Opera Presents: VERDI'S OTELLO (March 3)
• The DC Big Flea March 4-5th (March 5)
• Maryland Lyric Opera Presents: VERDI'S OTELLO (March 5)
• Arlington Philharmonic Concert "Music in Bloom" (March 5)
• Add your event

Other featured classifieds:

• AP Tests & Reviews | SAT | ACT | SOL Tests & Reviews (Details)
• Add your classified

That's it for today! See you soon for another update.

— 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!