Arts Out, Parking In… For Now
17 02 2010Looks like while the site of the new development the Arts at 5th and Eye (pictured below) is waiting for construction to start, the owners are going to use the property as a big parking lot. We are hearing from community members that they are not that happy about this idea and we got a press release from ANC 6C commissioner Keith Silver about the possibility of picketing. What do you think, is a temporary parking lot so bad?
[Photo: Shalom Baranes]
What’s the big deal if laws aren’t being broken?
Agreed, as long as it isn’t a ploy to delay construction further.
I walk by this every day to get to work and, given the track record in Mt. Vernon Triangle, think it’s safe to assume that the status quo will prevail as inevitable delays mount. I’d prefer the status quo not be another parking lot, but recognize there are limits to how much a community ought to micromanage developers.
I fired off an email to Tommy Wells to express myself and got this back in reply. He agreed to let me repost it:
“My staff met with the city’s economic development office earlier this week about the proposed surface lot. They only anticipate it being in place for roughly 18 months until redevelopment of the parcel begins, but I’ve asked them to add an element of public green space to the plans.
“While the surface lot (and any green space we can create) would be temporary, I believe it would be better to create short-term community gardens or green space, than paving the lot in its entirety for the time being.
“Representatives from the Mayor’s staff agreed to hold a community meeting with residents from 555 Mass and other nearby buildings to discuss options. I expect them to reach out to neighbors soon, and as soon as I get details about the meeting, we’ll follow-up with emails and posting on my website.”