Before (10/5) and after (today).

When the city released plans for the new Washington-Beech project, the renderings showed builders would keep a huge tree right at the corner of Washington and Beech streets. And, for a while, it looked like that really was the plan - workers even surrounded it with a protective wooden "hula skirt." But for some reason, they tore down the tree today and carted away its remains.

This is what the neighborhood was promised:

Mass. High Tech reports the city's won a $1.3-million federal stimulus grant to build a solar-powered fuel station for emergency vehicles and "solar-powered street lights, traffic lights, video cameras and message boards" along Washington Street (apparently, the one through Roxbury, JP, Roslindale and West Roxbury), because, when the Big One hits, we might not be able to rely on normal power supplies for such things.

More from the city.

Guira y Tambora, 4014 Washington St. (where Yucatan Mexican Grill used to be), goes before the Boston Licensing Board on Sept. 23 to ask permission to serve alcoholic beverages with its meals.

Unlike a couple of other nearby restaurants - the Upper Crust and Christelle's in West Roxbury - which were seeking new licenses, of which the city has none, Guira y Tambora would buy an existing license, from Rudi's at Rowes Wharf, if the board approves.

The hearing starts at 10 a.m. in City Hall, Room 809A.

Police have blocked off Washington St in Brighton Center between Market/Chestnut Hill and Cambridge St. There were fire engines out near the front of Porter Belly's or about that distance down the street.

Anyone know more?

Workers building the frame of the new senior-citizen apartment building that is the first phase of replacing the old Washington-Beech housing project in Roslindale.

Channel 4 reports two gunmen got away with $200 after one of them stuck a gun in the face of a clerk at the Petrol station at Washington Street and Metropolitan Avenue Monday afternoon.

Earlier:
The last time a Washington Street gas station was held up.

They're giving away some cool stuff, free.

Mark reports on days of yore, when Washington Street in Jamaica Plain was a toll road to Dedham - and people's cows sometimes wandered off near the tollgate.

Word reaches us up here in the mountain fastnesses that the Washington Street Rite Aid is closing. This Wednesday.

Mel Gibson continues effort to inconvenience every single person in greater Boston.

Earlier:
Silver Line riders, Mass Pike drivers, who's next?