[RP TownTalk] TownTalk Digest, Vol 10, Issue 39

Fri May 18 00:54:47 UTC 2007

I'm not sure where things stand, but the town hired an economic  
development consultant to assist us with Town Center.  She was  
suppose to be pulling together data so that we can attract specific  
businesses.  Perhaps, we will hear an update from the town soon?

I have no doubt a coffee shop would do well, especially if open in  
the morning.  For some reason,  I seem to run into a lot of DeMatha  
parents who know our town because they drive-thru town center on the  
way to school in the morning.  Seems like a good crowd to capture in  
addition to the rest of us who would like coffee anytime during the day.

Riverdale Park has a lot of business potential.  The success of the  
farmers' market is testament to the possibility.  There is interest  
in new development, which is a great sign, but the town could be  
doing more to support new businesses and market the town.  I know  
town staffing is part of the problem, but if a dedicated group of  
volunteers banded together, I'm sure things could happen.  Perhaps,  
regular meetings of the town's economic development committee would  
be helpful?

--One of the items the town could consider is giving a tax reduction  
for a certain number of years to the first 2-3 retail businesses to  
open in town center if they stay for x years.  The town may need to  
add some more qualifiers to this suggestion, but it has been used  
successfully elsewhere.  For new businesses, starting up this can  
really make the difference.
--Another is a residential facade program.  Sprucing up the look of  
the town residences is key to attracting new development and some  
people just don't have the resources, but would love to fix up their  
residences.
--Making a list of specific businesses and recruiting them.  Great  
businesses often times don't think of expanding until someone comes  
and recruits them.  I really believe our area is hot--whole foods is  
interested in us, east campus will bring a lot of new high-end  
retail, and EYA is moving along.  We just need the supporting  
evidence to make the pitch.
--Improving the look of our key corridors.  Hate to admit it, but a  
lot of people judge "a book by the cover."  Kenilworth Ave, 410, Rt 1  
are not pretty to look at--working/creating incentives for rehab of  
commercial properties, sidewalk improvements, even just cutting the  
grass, banners on light posts, and beautiful gardens in median strips  
can make a difference.  Some places offer matching grants for  
businesses to improve their signage or do facade improvements.

Personally, I would be willing to spend my tax dollars on some of  
these items even defer some commercial tax income to jump start  
redevelopment and create the right atmosphere for development to  
occur.  I think this would be a worthwhile investment.  On a side  
note, I also think enhanced code enforcement, a police department,  
and a quality public works department are worth investing in.   
Without these three, I know our town would look a lot worse and crime  
would be a lot worse than it is.

Dannielle
4800 Sheridan St

Dannielle Glaros
dmglaros at gmail.com

On May 17, 2007, at 1:46 PM, Brian Boettger wrote:

> Isn't Brookland in DC?
>
> I'd agree, the area does have similar amenities to RP but  
> politically I believe it is much different.
> I maybe wrong, but I don't think DC has separate tax structures for  
> it's individual neighborhoods. It may for it's Wards, which in that  
> case it is in Ward 5 of the District which certainly does have many  
> large scale retail and business. Also, Catholic U is actually IN  
> it's taxable area. I don't see any part of the University of  
> Maryland in the Riverdale Park town limits, but please correct me  
> if I'm worng. So I don't think it is a fair comparison.
>
> Takoma Park may be a better comparison to make though I can't be  
> sure without some research. RP is kind of an anomoly as it is so  
> small and really doesn't incorporate a large business base to help  
> with the taxes as you have suggested. RP reminds me of the kind of  
> town you might find in California around Los Angeles with very  
> wealthy people that create bedroom communities. They are fine with  
> paying whatever for their taxes as it gives them control to keep an  
> undesired element out...Starbuck's in, Joe's Autobody out...
>
> I agree though, let's look at how to fill the holes. I've thought  
> the Town Center would be great for a cafe or coffee house  
> especially with the Dumm's development and the trails to connect to  
> College Park. It'll certainly be easier to get to than College Perk.
> Brian
>
>>
>> Have you ever been to Brookland?  I think I am comparing apples to  
>> apples.
>> There are no Starbucks, Borders, Subway, etc.  There are small  
>> individual
>> businesses.  Col. Brooks Tavern, locally owned. The Coffee Shop,  
>> The Ice Cream
>> Parlor, The Antique Shop, The Hardware Store - all locally owned.   
>> No big chains
>> there.  Oh, one I forgot about - there is a CVS.  So I think the  
>> area called
>> Brookland is very similar to Riverdale Park.  They have Catholic  
>> U.  we have
>> Maryland U.  They have Brookland Metro - we have Hyattsville and  
>> College Park.
>> They have Brooks Mansion - we Have Calvert/Riversdale.  How much  
>> closer can I
>> get to a comparison?
>> Audrey
>>
>>
>
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