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Articles
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| Moving forward on H Street |
VOICE writes, " We commend Northeast residents for taking an interest in the development of H Street. Since its decline following the 1968 riots, the corridor has lacked retail diversity -- if residents want a haircut or a check cashed, H Street suffices. But residents often complain they must leave the neighborhood to do grocery shopping, buy flowers or browse for books.
Thankfully, a wave of development has been rolling down the street. Major residential and office-building projects are under way on the west end of the strip, and the Atlas Theater, as well as an assemblage of lively new bars, anchors the entertainment district on the east end."
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But the corridor is still marked by a host of vacant buildings. Some stakeholders say all interested investors should be welcomed with open arms, in the spirit of H Street's revitalization.
We think investment must be encouraged. But we agree with the advisory neighborhood commissioners who want to shape the character of their neighborhood, even if that means setting a limit on the number of bars. And we are happy that Anwar Saleem, who heads H Street Main Street, said he also wants to encourage family businesses on the strip.
The time for planning is now. Already, residents are complaining about bar-goers spilling onto the streets at night. We welcome commissioner Mary Beatty's idea to gauge support for a tavern-license cap on H Street, and we also urge Ward 6 Council member Tommy Wells to look into the possibility of easing restrictions on alcohol sales for restaurants so many of them will not want to convert to tavern licenses.
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Posted on Nov 15, 2007 19:46pm.
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