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Wheaton is a much tougher nut than Bethesda and Silver Spring. For one thing, it's farther from the District city center. For another, it is far less accessible to highway. Downtown Silver Spring and downtown Bethesda aren't right off the beltway, but they're pretty close. A few blocks -- two traffic lights, and you're there. The Wheaton Mall also takes up way too much valuable space close by the Metro. For all those reasons, Wheaton also has developed a less affluent population than especially Bethesda, but also Silver Spring. Consequently, the schools there are the weakest in the County. All of which makes the area much less attractive to potential new residents and businesses -- which means smaller revenue prospects for developers.

Wheaton will develop with its own vibe, that can't be too forced. However, because it's developing later, it could have certain advantages over Bethesda and SIlver Spring -- in the ways that Asia and Europe have advantages over the USA. Newer infrastructure has meant they have better, uninterrupted power service and utilities. Also higher-speed internet and much better wireless service. They also have high-speed rail and more public transit options.

Wheaton isn't going to have high-speed rail, but if the County wants to attract new development, officials should focus first on the surrounding infrastructure, and then later on the new development opportunities. Bury the power lines, and install higher-capacity lines for internet, as well as good wireless. Turn Wheaton into a hip community that's really wired in and really un-wired, too. Give Wheaton a brand that's unmatched anywhere. Build the infrastructure, and the people will come. Oh, they will come, Roy. People will come.

by Fischy (Ed F.) on Jul 11, 2012 12:44 pm • link • report