Don't mind about a national chain, but don't want Walgreens and don't like to see Potomac West and Not Too Shabby being forced to leave.

Lets try and remember that Walgreens isn't displacing anyone. They have simply bought a property that was for sale. Anyone who has purchased a house in Del Ray has done the exact same thing.

That said, I look forward to any new retail on the avenue that will meet my needs. My home is already furnished, I own a washer and dryer and I wouldn't buy anything from those two filthy and shady markets so this is a huge win for my household.

I wouldn't mind a walgreens. I live in delray, but not close to the CVS. If a walgreens was put up, I would be closer to that.

I know how people are passionate about this, but I would like more retail on the avenue that is useful in daily life so I don't have to schelp in and out of Del Ray. In 20 years I haven't had need to patronize any of the businesses at the subject location. That said, it is way easier to shop in the neighborhood now and find things you need than it used to be. I am in favor of a mix of both local and national businesses that are useful to everybody.

People who own properties have rights to do with them what they want. But, why would Walgreens want to open a store in an area that doesn't have a need? Making a "no chains" rule is silly. The 7-11 gets plenty of business. Residents want places of business to serve their households or for entertainment. Business owners want to lure visitors for better outcomes. Perhaps DRCA and Potomac West need new strategies to lure businesses that would be attractive for residents and visitors alike.

Let's play this out a few more steps--The building owner wants to sell. Walgreens wants to buy and will keep the current building intact. Del Ray citizens chases Walgreens away because our community doesn't like chains. Building owner finds new buyer. New buyer will also agree to keep the building intact? Or perhaps will tear down and rebuild something yucky. Presumably the best case scenario people are hoping for is that a different buyer comes along and keeps everything the same, including the same tenants. How likely is that scenario?

Can someone please point me to the petition to evict (inter-)national chain 7-Eleven?

Unite Del Ray!!!

Of course as with a home sale, the owners have a right to sell and ask the tenants to move, but I wish the owner wasn't going to in this case, esp. not for a sale to Walgreens.

We need diversity and Walgreens doesn't bring anything CVS, Del Ray Pharmacy and Target don't already provide!

As one who does not accept change well, I am not thrilled with the idea of Walgreen's coming to town. I also am sure that Walgreen's must have done some serious market research to select the location. Their diversity may be tied to whatever contracts it has with health plan drug coverage in the area. Who knows?

The DRCA should invite a regional representative from Walgreen's to discuss their plans at an upcoming DRCA meeting. Shutting down their idea before we have had a chance to hear from them, and to express our concerns could wind up hurting all of us.

For example, Yates is advertising available space at their new property. Could we market that location to them? If not, could we work with the City to install dedicated left-turn lights at Mt. Vernon and Monroe Aves. at Walgreen's expense?

What do the current business owners in that space have to say about this? Do they want this change or not?

Linda Kelly's comment is dead-on. At some point, someone will purchase that property. We will need to work with whomever the new owner may be so that we can leverage our neighborhood's unity in order to fight for maintaining its character.

My guess rents are a pretty high barrier to small businesses in Del Ray. Even if rents aren't currently high, how many small businesses want to establish themselves just to see their rents rise as the neighborhood prospers. I'm ok with a chain if they respect the character of the neighborhood and behave responsibly.

With all the new construction locations near by, Potomac Yards and the new buildings on Monroe next to Rt 1, why not court, encourage Walgreens to open there?

I enjoy trawling at both Potomac West and Not Too Shabby, and have furnished many rooms in my house with an eclectic mix from there while different retail is welcomed on the avenue why Walgreens when there is a CVS right thee already? It offers nothing, it is sadly a sign that Del ray is becoming like any other town center, if you are going to throw in a chain store my vote is for Athleta. :)

Walgreens will provide more jobs than all the businesses it will displace. It will generate more tax revenue for Del Ray and Alexandria. Let the markets decide. I'd really like to see a Starbucks open in the unused retail space at Del Ray Central Apartments!

All this talk of jobs and free market rents makes me ill. This property is a public good! We need to look to a more Chinese model and simply tell Walgreens where they may purchase, despite any metrics they've cultivated to support this intrusive move. CVS is more than enough big pharma in our neighborhood.

Unite Del Ray!!!

Dave, you're sounding quite communist with your China example. In the U.S., we have the right to sell our property to the highest bidder. How would you like Alexandria telling YOU that you can't sell your house?

Oldtowner - your making personal comments about people - not the subject - why don't you put who you really are instead of hiding - behind the name Oldtowner? Man up -