[RP TownTalk] Town Center of Dreams

[Yorkedial at aol.com]

Are We Creating A Hot Zone or Just Grave Digging?
 
Jay Wright is Mr. Right in this case. Lowering the rent will get you  just 
that: "low rent businesses," and hence, all the joys that come with that. 
 
While Mr. Jemal may be guilty of disappointing some folks, he has been  
considerate enough not to fill his the space with low brow  establishments -- 
dollar store, check cashing, nail salons, Asian  carry-out fronted by Plexiglas, 
etc. Nothing wrong with any of those  business but they aren't what Riverdale 
Park has been waiting for.
 

Perhaps Town Talkers could create a realistic wish list of businesses they  
would want in the Town Center. Consider established, local businesses  within a 
25-mile radius of RP that you like, use and would want in  town. List only 
one that you really  would support (please focus) if it were across the street 
from the  S & J Restaurant. Once a list of solid contenders is drafted, perhaps 
then  the business development committee could pursue those businesses with a 
 consult with Doug Jemal. Let's go and grow from there.

 
But remember, no business operator is going to invest in a 20-year ghost  
town if there is no sign of life. If your pledges of support are empty, so  are 
your stores. 
 
Jeffrey Yorke  
Natoli Place Apartments
 
 
In a message dated 9/10/2007 5:31:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
JayRite at aol.com writes:

If you're going to do that, you must focus. 
We are all clearly disappointed that buildings have been vacant for 20+  
years, (not sure how accurate that is as I've only been here for 10). But be  
careful who you choose to do battle with. "Jemalville" is catchy, but  inaccurate 
as a target of our 20+ year angst. 
 
Douglas Development did not acquire the properties that they own until as  
recently as 2002-2003. [only 4-5 years ago, according to the The Maryland -  
National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC)]. I know we all  have had 
very high hopes that they would have turned those properties  into Shangrila, 
by now. But the fact of the matter is that they haven't yet,  and until the 
economy itself, generally turns to the better, probably won't  right away. 
 
Can they lower the rent? Sure! But, I ask you, what kind of business  will 
that bring in? I'm sure if you put enough pressure on the developer they  may 
give in. But be careful what you wish for. We may end up with a Pawn Shop,  a 
check cashing place, laundry mat, etc... 
You thought that vacant buildings were a nuisance, believe me,  it can be 
much worse. If vacancy means holding out for the things  that we really want, 
long term. I'm willing to wait a little while longer.  

Apply pressure gently, and accurately.
Not advice, just an observation.
Jay Wright 



 



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