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Articles
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| Don’t fall into The Gap |
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VOICE writes, "A few property owners along Barracks Row have hired a real estate investment firm to sell their buildings on the historic corridor. Among clients the firm is courting as possible tenants are national retailers such as The Gap, Banana Republic and J. Crew."
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When a story appeared in the Washington Business Journal explaining this idea, residents were immediate to respond. While the reaction on listservs, blogs and e-mails has been mixed, we are certain that putting The Gap on Eighth Street would, over time, seal the fate of small businesses there.
A good portion of the stores and restaurants on Barracks Row were there before the redevelopment of the street. They stuck with the street through bulldozers, chewed-up sidewalks and asphalt layers during the years of construction.
The businesses that stayed are now faced with higher rents and taxes because the property assessments on the corridor have risen sharply. Should a national chain come onto The Row, it is certain that assessments will go up astronomically. Business owners we have talked to say that if the trend continues without relief from city leaders, they will be forced to move.
Barracks Row is a very different type of shopping experience from a suburban shopping center. The eclectic variety of small businesses attracts a customer base from a far greater area, as the shops are truly unique.
National chains try their best to shift their profits to states such as Delaware, which have no corporate taxes. Should they wish to locate on the Hill, we urge them to take up residence in Union Station, where there are already national stores. Let them not destroy the wonderful mix of small businesses that make Barracks Row such a wonderful place to shop.
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Posted on Sep 26, 2007 20:30pm.
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