Development meeting

[from Son T.]

I thought neighbors would be interested in attending this meeting. It will also discuss the Safeway redevelopment plans.

Community update on Petworth development projects – February 5

On Tuesday, February 5, Councilmember Muriel Bowser will host a meeting at 7pm at the Israel CME Church (557 Randolph St) to update the community on the status of a number of development projects in the Petworth neighborhood.

Representatives from Safeway will be there to present and discuss their plans for construction of a new store at their Petworth location. Other updates will include the Park Place project above the Petworth metro station, the residences at 3910 Georgia Avenue and others. There will be representatives available from all the development teams and DC government agencies.

For more information please call Brandon Todd at 202-724-8052.

Comments

[New Hampy]

It wuold be great if someone could report back what was discussed at the meeting for those that could not attend - please :)

[GforGood]

Heather, sounds great! You say "From what I understand". What is your understanding based on? I.e. did you go to this meeting or where did you hear/read about it? And was there a timetable to this plan?

[Heather Schneider]

From what I understand, the proposal is to tear down the current Safeway and build a brand new one, under a residential building (not sure if it's condos or what.) The Safeway is planned to be one of the best ones in DC with Coffee shop, sushi, bakery, florist, etc... It's not 100% approved, but that is the goal from my understanding. We're not just talking about cleaning-up the existing one -- it's demolishing and completely rebuilding from scratch and I imagine by the time the new one is built the existing management will be on to new jobs (hopefully)...

[Lisa]

I second the pedestrian-friendly comment. The whole parking lot needs rethinking: scrap the Georgia Ave. entry altogether to avoid all that idling while waiting to turn left; address the impermeable surface problem for watershed issues; go with the required 10% tree cover. On the inside: How about a no-cell phone policy for cashiers?

I would happily pay a lower price for some of the less attractive but still very edible produce they now throw away. I can buy picture-perfect stuff at Whole Foods, but sometimes choose not to.

[Susan]

I can't go to the meeting, but maybe someone can pass on some comments...my main wish list would be:
- new management, because the current store is often dirty and full of expired food and produce long past its prime
- no huge parking lot out front; would much prefer garage parking (this is not the burbs!)
- pedestrian friendly design, good lighting, room for landscaping (less bleak appearance than the current store)
- a bigger store with a larger produce section, more organic products, ethnic foods (the Giant on Park Rd does a good job with this)
- good bakery and deli
- I would also welcome proposals that have apartments or condos above the grocery store and/or other retail in addition to the store (for example, there's a Starbucks in the store on Georgia & Piney Branch...but any way to have a locally owned business instead?)

[Ed]

I certainly hope someone will be attending who can tell the rest of us what sort of info is provided. I al;ready know I have to work that night and won't be able to attend. I rarely go to the Safeway anymore. Only if I need a dry or canned good in a pinch will I step foot in the place. But it would be nice if the Safeway folks could maybe post something in the front of the store by the entrance letting us know what kind of changes will be coming to the store and when to expect them. Could someone at the meeting make that suggestion?

[Eric]

Will anyone be reporting back (on your blog) from this meeting for those who cannot attend?