Inked should do a separate post on the issue of DDOT locating a huge transformer for the streetcar system on a vacant lot on Wylie Street despite strong opposition from residents. That consumed most of the time at the meeting. The city gave no satisfactory answers. The city has other choices but has elected to place it here. Cheap? Easy to roll over the residents?
The proposal by the city to give use of the vacant library building to an unknown group from outside the community first came to the attention of stakeholders on H Street within the past few weeks. The response to questions at last night's community meeting was that it was a project awardee who would be "engaging the community about city-wide design-related issues." The group has no ties to Capitol Hill or H Street, nor is their background in "design" or community building. No one from the city had made any contact with existing stakeholders regarding current ongoing efforts on the corridor, many of which have been stalled by the lack of access to public space such as the library. At last night's meeting, one of the functions outlined was the leasing of desk/office space to "entrepreneurs" which would directly undercut existing businesses who have space available for that same use. These businesses have risked their own capital to promote the development of H Street. H Street already has some of the city's best web specialists, graphic designers, art galleries, and forward-looking non-profits, yet the city never contacted any of them in formulating the grant application. What's up here? Now that others have made H Street "hot," can anybody get a piece of the action with the city's help? Will they ignore the people who sweated?
I actually liked hearing that they are going to seek bids to do a mixed use building there. Had no idea the lot went back so far and could be redeveloped into something grand. My only quesiton is what they are waiting for, let's develop that spot now!
1/2 a mile away is ok, but I still contend that H Street needs a diner (or 2 - one on the east and one on the west end) for at the very least some good weekend breakfasts. Besides, seating at the diner on bladensburg is limited at best...which means business is ok, demand is there for other diners.
What if H street only settled for one bar or one restaurant because there was another one 1/2 mile away.
Maybe on the west end, but have you noticed that every place on H Street has a unique angle? I think we might be a tad early to start self-competing. We currently have (this is an incomplete list): one middle eastern place, one large live music spot, one smaller music spot, one family restaurant, one Irish pub, one basic neighborhood bar (with a slight Irish/boxing twinge), one New Orleans themed bar, one greasy spoon carryout, one 1960s style drinking hole, two coffee shops, with one selling craft cocktails at night (the two are separated by over 9 blocks). That list is short (and otherwise limited), but I think it helps show that most places on the Corridor don't directly compete with each other (nor do I believe we currently have the capacity to cover such competition). Put in another diner, and you have direct competition. So, you may have to walk a few blocks. It won't kill any of us, and vintage diners are few, and far between. In fact, Capital City Diner is the only vintage diner in the District. So it isn't like other neighborhoods have a wealth of diners.
It's not about being vintage, it's about having food at 7 AM within a closer proximity to the neighborhood. Capitol City Diner is great and definitely vintage. Then how about something open on H street with a different twist.
Another diner-style place would be great - on the ground floor of a mixed use building. Like you might see in Brooklyn, for example.
We the taxpayers are spending a lot of money for a streetcar on H Street. We need to make the most of that investment by increasing density. Most of the street is historic buildings so the opportunities for expansion are limited and/or expensive. A vacant lot should be used for a mixed-use development.
13 comments:
Inked should do a separate post on the issue of DDOT locating a huge transformer for the streetcar system on a vacant lot on Wylie Street despite strong opposition from residents. That consumed most of the time at the meeting. The city gave no satisfactory answers.
The city has other choices but has elected to place it here. Cheap? Easy to roll over the residents?
The proposal by the city to give use of the vacant library building to an unknown group from outside the community first came to the attention of stakeholders on H Street within the past few weeks. The response to questions at last night's community meeting was that it was a project awardee who would be "engaging the community about city-wide design-related issues." The group has no ties to Capitol Hill or H Street, nor is their background in "design" or community building.
No one from the city had made any contact with existing stakeholders regarding current ongoing efforts on the corridor, many of which have been stalled by the lack of access to public space such as the library.
At last night's meeting, one of the functions outlined was the leasing of desk/office space to "entrepreneurs" which would directly undercut existing businesses who have space available for that same use. These businesses have risked their own capital to promote the development of H Street.
H Street already has some of the city's best web specialists, graphic designers, art galleries, and forward-looking non-profits, yet the city never contacted any of them in formulating the grant application.
What's up here? Now that others have made H Street "hot," can anybody get a piece of the action with the city's help? Will they ignore the people who sweated?
I actually liked hearing that they are going to seek bids to do a mixed use building there. Had no idea the lot went back so far and could be redeveloped into something grand. My only quesiton is what they are waiting for, let's develop that spot now!
For the time being they should just tear our the library and plant grass. What an eyesore that thing is.
It's a perfect location for a diner! We need a good old fashioned greasy spoon on H Street
5:02,
you do know there's a vintage diner about five blocks away, right?
5 blocks? Where?
Capital City Diner is 0.53 miles away. 1050 Bladensburg Road.
1/2 a mile away is ok, but I still contend that H Street needs a diner (or 2 - one on the east and one on the west end) for at the very least some good weekend breakfasts. Besides, seating at the diner on bladensburg is limited at best...which means business is ok, demand is there for other diners.
What if H street only settled for one bar or one restaurant because there was another one 1/2 mile away.
Again, I bet the demand is there!
Maybe on the west end, but have you noticed that every place on H Street has a unique angle? I think we might be a tad early to start self-competing. We currently have (this is an incomplete list): one middle eastern place, one large live music spot, one smaller music spot, one family restaurant, one Irish pub, one basic neighborhood bar (with a slight Irish/boxing twinge), one New Orleans themed bar, one greasy spoon carryout, one 1960s style drinking hole, two coffee shops, with one selling craft cocktails at night (the two are separated by over 9 blocks).
That list is short (and otherwise limited), but I think it helps show that most places on the Corridor don't directly compete with each other (nor do I believe we currently have the capacity to cover such competition). Put in another diner, and you have direct competition. So, you may have to walk a few blocks. It won't kill any of us, and vintage diners are few, and far between. In fact, Capital City Diner is the only vintage diner in the District. So it isn't like other neighborhoods have a wealth of diners.
It's not about being vintage, it's about having food at 7 AM within a closer proximity to the neighborhood. Capitol City Diner is great and definitely vintage. Then how about something open on H street with a different twist.
It's a carryout, but Tony's (14th & H) has great greasy spoon breakfasts.
Another diner-style place would be great - on the ground floor of a mixed use building. Like you might see in Brooklyn, for example.
We the taxpayers are spending a lot of money for a streetcar on H Street. We need to make the most of that investment by increasing density. Most of the street is historic buildings so the opportunities for expansion are limited and/or expensive. A vacant lot should be used for a mixed-use development.
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