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@Lance; I usually agree with you on the need for compromise in the political decision making space.

And my point about commercial increasing property value does have limits. Putting a new days inn/McDonald/Nazi gay sex club in a quasi-suburban neighborhood isn't going to be the same as Hanks or a fancy wine club. And so yes, getting the zoning right is absolutely needed.

But the larger point is HOW local homeowners can complain. And ANC process is broken and has been for a while. * The problems of accommodating new retail won't go away -- take Arlington for instance which has it own onerous and stupid requirements.

But removing the alcohol pressure point would make many places in DC better. We need more local bars, not less, and this remenant of blue laws needs to stop.

And as Jamie says, that type of retail pushes everyone's value up, rather than down. We can see that with, say, Traders Joes in Arlington, where despite the long lines it will create on Wilson, it makes the neighborhood even better. Or that stupid walkscore rating.

* and yes, it is the people on the ANC that are the problem. Sorry, ANC members. You are busybodies.

by charlie on Dec 1, 2010 12:10 pm • link • report