Things Del Ray Is Missing, According To Readers

ALEXANDRIA, VA—We asked what was one thing Del Ray was missing, and you answered. In fact, the responses were overwhelming when we posed the question on Facebook.

We got more than 100 comments and went through each response to understand what residents want in their future here in Del Ray. We tallied the top responses by counting likes and multiple comments expressing the same concerns.

On the business side, residents would like to see more bar options, Irish pubs and beer gardens and international cuisine. And a request to create a better atmosphere for young adults stimulated a debate on the pros and cons of Del Ray's family-friendly nature. (And we're not sure if other comments like "free range gluten free fair trade artisan ketchup boutique" were meant to be serious, but they certainly got tons of responses too.)

Readers also suggested a splash park and a few community improvement concerns. We anticipated responses like more parking affordable housing and pedestrian safety on Mount Vernon Avenue. Interestingly, many would like to see more diversity in the neighborhood too. Patch plans to follow up city and community officials to explore the likelihood of new businesses and community improvements.

There's always room for improvement in Del Ray, but one big takeaway is that residents are happy with the small town environment. When we asked readers in Old Town Alexandria the same question, many said it was losing a small town feel and needs more independently-owned businesses.

The full vote tally for Del Ray is below:

80 - Affordable housing

60 - Bar/beer garden

50 - Better pedestrian safety

48 - Splash park

42 - Irish pub

37 - More international cuisine

34 - Diner

32 - "A free range gluten free fair trade artisan ketchup boutique"

30 - Diversity

23 - Live music

21 - More fast casual food

21 - Swimming pool

20 - Brewery

19 - More bakeries

18- More parking

17 - Now-closed Monroe's restaurant

15 - Bookstore

15 - Florist

13 - Gift shop

13 - More school funding

13 - Vegan food

12 - Restaurant for salads

11 - Free shuttle from Braddock Road Metro

11 - Atmosphere for young adults

9 - "Game of Thrones themed froyo stand"

8 - Bagel shop

7 - Stop sign on Glebe Road at Montrose and Ashby

7 - Yarn store

7 - Ramen shop

7 - Greek deli

7 - More restaurant options

6 - Pet food store

5 - Restaurant with prepared meals to take home

5 - Breakfast/brunch restaurant

5 - Restaurant at vacant auto body store at Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues

4 - More boutiques

4 - The now-closed Mancini's

4 - Movie theatre

4 - Bowling alley

3 - Redistricting for elementary schools

3 - Better public schools

3 - Mini golf

3 - Family medical practice

2 - Now-closed A Show of Hands gift store

2- Bocce court/outdoor ping pong table

2 - Yoga studio

1 - Pet care

1 - Hotel

1 - Taco bar like Taco Bamba

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Image via R. Kennedy/Visit Alexandria