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Amazon HQ2: Summer 2022 Updates Impacting Arlington County, Virginia

Building on progress at Amazon’s HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia

Since announcing Arlington as the site of its HQ2 in 2018, Amazon –– the online juggernaut retailer –– has reportedly committed more than $35 million in total investments to local nonprofits, community groups, public schools, and businesses.

We’re now half-way through 2022 and it seems like a good time to recap and update on Amazon’s recent local activities impacting Arlington County and its surrounding communities.

Here is a curated list of up Amazon HQ2 news, tidbits, and other updates (from the past few weeks) worth sharing with fellow Arlingtonians and beyond:

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Arlington Residents Can Drop Off Hazardous Materials For Free This Saturday

Arlington Residents Can Drop Off Hazardous Materials For Free This Saturday

Arlington County’s spring Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) for residents to drop off hazardous materials, old electronics and more will be held this Saturday, April 23, at Yorktown High School.

The E-CARE event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the high school located at 5200 Yorktown Blvd., Arlington, VA.

To see the long list of accepted items – including automotive fluids, electronics (computers, printers, keyboards, scanners, copiers, cellphones and televisions), fire extinguishers, household cleaners, lawn and garden products, pesticides and pool chemicals – and drop-off guidelines at the county’s E-CARE web page.

Bikes for the World will also be accepting serviceable and repairable bikes to be sent to countries where they are needed for basic transportation. A $10 donation per bike is requested to offset shipping charges.

The county is asking residents to pack vehicles in this order to make unloading easier and faster: electronics first, household hazardous materials next, then metals and bicycles.

Last year’s spring E-CARE event collected some 95,000 pounds of hazardous materials, with another 77,000 pounds collected at the fall 2021 event.

(Photo courtesy of Arlington County.)

Have questions? Or want to buy or sell in Arlington, Virginia?

Meg Ross, Top Realtor in Arlington County, Virginia

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3 Tips For Buying a Fixer-Upper That Won’t Zap Your Home Buying Budget

3 Considerations For Buying a Fixer-Upper That Won't Zap Your Home Buying Budget

Every so often, an opportunity arises for Arlington, Virginia, area homebuyers – and investors – to purchase homes at a good price because the homes are in need of light (or dramatic!) repairs, improvements, replacements or cosmetic attention.

While buying a house that needs some TLC can have real advantages (like being able to update it the way you want), the renovation process is not without its challenges.

So before you invest into any level of home buying inspired elbow grease, do consider the following tips to help preserve your home buying budget:

  1. Check Local Zoning
    Zoning regulations specify how a property can be used and can – or cannot – be changed. Think about how you may want to change the property. (For my Arlington-focused buyers, you can start checking your local zoning from this interactive zoning map or by checking out Arlington County’s Zoning Ordinance PDF from here).
  2. Investigate Local Building Codes
    Building codes are designed to ensure the structural and fire safety of buildings. Codes cover pretty much everything relating to building design, construction, additions, enlargements, alterations and even repairs and maintenance including standards for plumbing, electrical and mechanical construction. (Arlington buyers, start investigating local building codes here.)
  3. Check Permits
    Have changes already been made to the home that required permits? If so, check the county website to make sure the permits exist and have been satisfied. (Homebuyers interested in Arlington County homes, check residential permits via this link)
  4. Bonus! One more consideration: Investigate development plans
    Conduct research to find out whether the city, county or state has plans or has approved private-entity plans that might adversely affect the home’s value.

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Congrats to Arlington-based Food Vendors Plugged on Edible DC!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ARLINGTON-BASED FOOD VENDORS PLUGGED ON EDIBLE DC

I’m an avid farmers market shopper and supporter so whenever I learn about local Arlington-based food vendors doing well and getting recognized, it’s worth a mention on this blog. This is why I was happy to see EdibleDC, a quarterly magazine focused on the farmers, growers, fishers, home cooks, chefs and others who energize the DC area’s culinary community, including the Arlington Farmers Markets on their noteworthy list of winter markets worth a visit.

EdibleDC Winter 2019

“The Best Brunch in the DMV”

In its Edible Stories post, which makes you want to “eat, read, drink, and think” as their tagline suggests, the Arlington Farmers Market is included in a mouth-watering list of amazing food vendors worth a brunch visit this winter season.

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Wishing Arlington County Kids & Families a Wonderful New School Year

Back to school in Arlington County, Virginia

It’s hard to believe summer has ended and that the start of yet another school year, which starts TODAY, is now upon us.

This morning will be exciting for many kids in our county returning to Arlington schools.

And for area parents, as well as families considering moving to Arlington County, VA, it may be of high interest to learn that Arlington Public Schools has recently ranked as a Top School District in Virginia by Niche.com (Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.).
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