This week’s highlight was a cross-section of some of the most popular ALXnow topics: crime, zoning, and local restaurants.
The top story was a pair of thefts at 7-Elevens that occurred almost concurrently across town. The first was a burglary at 2018 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray where the suspects allegedly broke into the store’s ATM. In the second, three men in all-black entered the 7-Eleven at 4610 Kenmore Avenue and one displayed a handgun and demanded cash.
One of the other big topic this were changes coming to Eugene Simpson Stadium Park. The park is going through a number of changes that aim to make it usable for more of the year, though there were concerns about things like the synthetic turf creating a heat island. ALXnow readers were pretty divided on whether or not the synthetic turf change is a positive one.
The other major change at the park that sparked some outrage is the removal of an old oak tree — though the exact age of the tree is debated. The tree is one of 40 being removed from the park to create expanded parking and bleachers.
The most-read stories this week were:
- Burglary and robbery at two Alexandria 7-Elevens Thursday morning
- What’s Up in Alexandria This Weekend: June 23-25
- Notes: New townhouse project on Seminary Road to start development next month
- Mount Vernon Trail-adjacent office could become cyclist-themed outdoor venue
- Arlandria bar Hops N’ Shine emerges from City Council battle with mixed results
- Alexandria City Council settles turf war over Simpson Park
- Benny Diforza’s Pizza is coming to Del Ray
- Del Ray residents decry tree removal at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park
- Notes: Indian Prime Minister visits Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood
- Permit filed for Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Alexandria’s West End