Tewksbury’s Top 12 Stories of 2023

As we embark on 2024, here’s a look back at what grabbed Carnation readers’ attention in ’23

#12 – 7 Takeaways from the Sept. 12 Select Board Meeting
More than 2,000 residents checked in on the awarding of a common victualler license to Dracut-based Yujo sushi and Asian cuisine restaurant, which also was approved for a transfer of liquor license from Deli King. Member Mark Kratman nominated Jeff DuFour for the Council on Aging, and TPD Chief Ryan Columbus informed the board of underage alcohol sales at two sites in town. Read it.

#11 – La Vita Dolce Sets Opening Date, StellaDoggo Gets Kennel License
News of new businesses in town — especially restaurants — are always popular. Besides LVD, StellaDoggo and a Soldier On benefit at Wamesit, this post also included a look at Pushcart’s new dining room and smoothie bar, which had just opened. Read it.

#10 – La Vita Dolce Soft Opening On for Tomorrow
Close to 2,200 readers checked in for details on the eagerly awaited March 4 opening of the town’s new bakery, deli and café, which has since added a full breakfast menu beginning at 6 a.m. Read it.

#9 – Planning Board To Address Unauthorized Removal of Significant Sycamore Tree In Town Center
It’s now been close to a year since the Planning Board was informed that the mature sycamore tree on the Main St. side of the lot at 24 Pleasant St. was cut down without authorization. The board is still waiting to hear details of its replacement. At this meeting the board also heard about a 10,000 square foot daycare proposed at 770 Main St., and StellaDoggo received an overnight kennel permit. Read it.

#8 – Former Funland Site to Become Tree House Brewing Co. Overflow Parking
About 2,300 readers checked in on news that a car wash proposal was scrubbed, and the town’s new brewery was looking to repurpose longtime Rt. 38 eyesore Funland for overflow parking. That was in May. After some bumps, it appears that Tree House is close to receiving approval. Read it.

#7 – Planet Fitness Inches Toward Opening, Multifamily Development at MacLellan Oil Takes Shape
In October, details emerged on the three-level multifamily residential apartment building planned for Main St. and the now-open gym next door to Ocean State Job Lots. Read it.

#6 – Nguyen Receives Hateful Email from Former Tewksbury Resident
In October, an unnamed former Tewksbury resident sent a misogynistic, profane and racist email to Rep. Tram Nguyen, who has represented Tewksbury since 2018 and is the first Vietnamese American woman elected to office in Massachusetts. TPD quickly followed up and said “there are severe mental health issues at play.” About 2,800 residents read the letter, and many sent Nguyen messages of support. Read it.

#5 – TMHS Teacher Receives Pink Slip
About 3,200 readers checked out what TPS Superintendent Brenda Regan and TTA rep Conner Bourgoin had to say about the layoff of a popular Tewksbury Memorial High School teacher due to declining enrollment. As required by the union, the decision was determined solely by seniority. Read it.

#4 – 5 Takeaways From the Jan. 25 Select Board Meeting
What caught 3,600 readers’ attention was the combination of Tree House Brewing’s preview of plans for the main TCC Club House building, including layout, golf, food, entertainment — and a promise of room rentals to local groups — along with a presentation of the initial FY 2024 town budget. Read it.

#3 – Jade East: ‘Continuous Priority Violations’ Around Food Temps, Cleaning
Fans of Jade East learned that the eatery, which was closed by the town in October 2022 for unsanitary conditions, had reopened with conditions in place. BoH member Susan Amato also broached the idea of letter grades for food service establishments, a concept that proved popular with residents but has not been brought up lately. Read it.

#2 – Goodbye Bobby & Jack’s, Hola Tres Amigos; Last Call for Survey; ZBA Agenda
About 4,500 residents checked out news that Bobby & Jack’s Memphis Barbecue restaurant had closed permanently, and that a Mexican eatery had applied for a food plan review for that location. Three Amigos has been open now for several months, receiving excellent reviews. Read it.

#1 – Market Al Fresca to Expand, Add Beer and Wine, Meats, Sandwiches, Cheeses and More
The year’s top story, approaching 5,000 views, was a sneak peak at a new 7,200 square foot addition to Al Fresca. The market is now serving subs, pizza and prepared meals along with groceries and bakery items, beer and wine. Read it.

Team Carnation thanks Tewksbury for a great 2023 and is looking forward to covering our community in 2024.