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<DIV>
<DIV>Are We Creating A Hot Zone or Just Grave Digging?</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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.
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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 <STRONG>that you really
would support</STRONG> (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.</DIV></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Jeffrey Yorke </DIV>
<DIV>Natoli Place Apartments</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>In a message dated 9/10/2007 5:31:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
JayRite@aol.com writes:</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: blue 2px solid"><FONT
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>
<DIV>If you're going to do that, you must focus. </DIV>
<DIV>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. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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... </DIV>
<DIV>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.
</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Apply pressure gently, and accurately.</DIV>
<DIV>Not advice, just an observation.</DIV>
<DIV>Jay Wright </DIV></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
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