Ooooh baby, more, more!With little fanfare, another sex shop has opened on King Street. This time Upper King Street is feeling the heat.
Lotus Blooms, which replaced Nina's Closet (a children's clothing store) at 1017 King Street is just two doors down from the Catholic Pauline sisters' store which sells religious books, cards and rosaries.
The stimulating new business (formerly known as Dascha Boudoir Boutique) had its grand opening over the weekend. The shop has erected a prominent display of purple marital aids (as they used to be called when the Growler was young) near the front window, along with feather boas and other exotic apparel.
Give Lotus Blooms credit for fulfilling the City's eternal quest for a vibrant community.
If readers remember, the City's leaders found themselves in quite a firestorm when property owner Mike Zarlenga obtained sweet revenge for an unfavorable Old & Historic District BAR ruling by leasing his building to Le Tache on lower King Street nine months ago.
The first sex shop to hit venerable Old Town, Le Tache garnered publicity you just can't buy over the controversy, including a New York Times article which noted "The city is now considering restrictions on new adult businesses in Old Town."
Now, however, with Lotus Blooms slipping through the cracks, should we be concerned that City leaders' resolve to take action wasn't stiffened sufficiently by the earlier kerfuffle?
What does it take to curb and discipline such unruly commerce? Is the bondage of revenue shortfalls holding the City in such a tight grip that only dildo sales will turn the tide?
Hard-pressed King Street retailers are quietly fuming, remembering that the City has lavished hundreds of thousands of dollars on not just one but two retail studies in the last five or six years to help whip the drooping corridor, studded with empty storefronts, into shape as a soignee destination for shoppers.
But with some Council members talking about bringing national retailers to King Street, are we to expect Frederick's of Hollywood and split-crotch panties will be close behind?
In the meantime, let the Growler ask the question that may be dominating some readers' minds at this point:
Can you get a Jack Rabbit there?
102 comments:
With the limited talent that is P&Z how can anyone be surprised. Director Hamer was probably told to ease business restrictions so she didn't ask and they didn't tell. When do the corner transvestites return to offer demonstrations?
Yet another achievement for our accomplished mayor!!!
While he's off visiting Scotland, fashioning golden mayoral neckware, running diet plans, and waiting by the phone for a call from Obama asking him to join the administration, another sex shop opens on King Street!!
Oh, well done, Bill!!!
Perfect!! King Street is finally coming together. Now if we could only get a fourth Starbucks, a couple more realtors and bank branches, and a few national chain retailers, King Street would really become a destination like no other.
I dont see what the problem is with a second sex shop. Dont we have bigger problems in this town? If people want to buy dildoes, and it brings in tax revenue, I say let them "come" --- no pun intended
Would Upper King Street rather have some ARHA units, as people would be happy to make the swap?
Apparently you missed the great satire by Satirical Alexandria, written back during the kerfluffle. It's generally a left leaning blog, but she takes some pretty good shots at the Mayor and other elected Democrats too.
http://www.satiricalalexandria.com/2009/03/mayor-and-commonwealths-attorney-vow-to.html
"King Street would really become a destination like no other."
Check out the ACVA website. Their boutique week promotion features the lower King Street sex shop all toys 20% off. It is destination marketing at its best. Why not ask Lotus Bloom to remain open on the requisite Thursday nights so the bros and pros can stroll. I would enjoy a quiet night in Parker Gray.
"If people want to buy dildoes, and it brings in tax revenue, I say let them "come"
I do like your humor. Unfortunately the rumor is that J. Brown will close his two King Street stores shortly after Christmas. If I am forced to chose between dildoes and retailers like J. Brown then it is no contest. I would rather folks "come" to King Street stores like J.Brown.
"King Street would really become a destination like no other.
Check out the ACVA website. Their boutique week promotion features the lower King Street sex shop all toys 20% off. It is destination marketing at its best."
Ah yes walk our historic main streets and notice the emerging brand. We are getting such good value for our studies.
The Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association Presents Results of Brand and Image Study on Tuesday, December 18
The results are in on a comprehensive brand and image study undertaken this fall by the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association (ACVA).
The ACVA contracted with Strategic Marketing & Research, Inc. (SMARI) to implement a three-phase research project to assess Alexandria’s image as a travel destination. In the initial phase of the project, SMARI conducted interviews with local stakeholders who included business and government leaders, tourism business managers, and Alexandria residents. In the second phase of research, online interviews were completed by more than 1,400 past and potential visitors. The third phase of the project presented a similar online survey for Alexandria residents and individuals who work in the City.
The ACVA will use the information derived from the brand and image study in developing future marketing programs to increase leisure and business tourism revenue in Alexandria.
"I would rather folks "come" to King Street stores like J.Brown."
How about moving more people closer to King St so that you have more organic growth versus having to beg consumers to come from other parts of the Metro area?
Oh wait, that would require our City to have a real economic development policy. Instead we have fairytale Braddock Metro and Braddock East plans.
I have always wondered why no one in the City leadership flow sees that the problem is not attracting businesses or customers, its growing organically (getting Alexandrians to shop in Alexandria)
""In the ensuing investigation of this gross violation of common decency, we realized that peanut butter had become a serious threat to the moral fiber of our citizens."
"
I cant stop laughing, because its our City Government to a T.
Next up will be a Sex Toy Task Force and blue ribbon hearings with the requisite hiring of sex toy consultants, surveys conducted to gather opinions on sex shops, and then the passing of 500 new regulations associated with sex.
Satirical Alexandria is a hilarious blog. I salute the writer for capturing our City in a nutshell.
Loved this quote (satire of course)
City residents did not seem surprised by the news. "I always knew this city was full of shit," said one local woman. "I mean, you've got really super rich people living in certain wealthy sections, complaining about taxes while sending their kids to private schools that cost over twenty grand a year, and really poor people crammed into apartment buildings and housing projects in certain poor sections sending their kids to crappy local schools while the school superintendent makes two hundred and fifty grand a year and gets a car allowance for his new Mercedes SUV, all on the taxpayers' dime. The rich go to the fancy schmancy churches and talk about how much they care, then they turn around and do everything they can to cut social services.
"Next up will be a Sex Toy Task Force and blue ribbon hearings with the requisite hiring of sex toy consultants, surveys conducted to gather opinions on sex shops, and then the passing of 500 new regulations associated with sex."
Followed up by totally arbitrary and capricious enforcement of all their new rules!!!
"Next up will be a Sex Toy Task Force"
I cant wait for this new task force. Maybe Euielle will send out a call for citizen participation.
Cant be any worse than some of his other notorious task forces with a lot of their hot air and useless Powerpoints.
This seems like the tragic result of a city with no economic plan, just like our housing projects in their current state are indicative of our lack of imagination when it comes to public and affordable housing.
I think the Mayor is afraid because it starts with sex shops, and then moves on to other things. If we cant attract any other types of businesses then we are in trouble.
"This seems like the tragic result of a city with no economic plan...If we cant attract any other types of businesses then we are in trouble."
Where is AEDP? It sponsored the first big retail study. Is it because the city has no plan and they have no focus?
---"
Where is AEDP? It sponsored the first big retail study. Is it because the city has no plan and they have no focus?"
Its because they have no staff and are almost universally regarded as a joke.
I'm saddened to see that Old town's King Street seems to be entering decline. Just when all the hard work of the businesses, citizens and ACVA that served to boost the heightened interest in its unique boutiques and restaurants, we are witnessing emerging businesses that taint the picture.
When La Tache opened on King Street, the Alexandria Times quoted our Mayor in its January 15, 2009 paper as saying "I believe it's an inappropriate business to be located in our old and historic district". "There's nothing I can do to encourage its demise," the mayor said." But he added that city staff is drawing up proposed changes to zoning laws in hopes that future adult entertainment stores can be regulated. La Tache would be grandfathered in."
Well....now we have Lotus Blossom.
What next? Perhaps The Old Town Theatre will start showing Adult Movies. And given that there are more and more storefronts becoming vacant there's ample room for more undesirable attractions.
This added to the fact that the city has spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on retail studies, we seem to be moving backward rather than forward. The economic downturn has taken its toll, and now the ineffectiveness of our city council simply adds to the problem.
Can I make a small suggestion? Some of us enjoy catching up on this blog during lunch at work on systems that are monitord. I am not going to be able to visit this blog until this story rolls off the front page into the archives with the current content. Can the post be cleaned up a bit? Thank you.
=="There's nothing I can do to encourage its demise,"
Ask yourself if Tejeda, Fenty, or Leggett would say that.
No wonder we are still stuck with 7-11. No one wants it there but our council and leadership are wimps.
Wow. From the name, I thought it was going to be a Vietamese restaurant! Just when I was getting excited about some of these empty storefronts get filled. It's great to see the Discovery Store space finally being filled with a restaurant (that this prime location was empty for something like 2 years speaks volumes about the state of the retail viability of King St). Even more exciting is the Medieval dinner show moving in closer to us, providing some much needed retail variety. Not to mention more late night pedestrian traffic which can only be a good thing. I really hope we can continue to move away from boutique clothing or antique shops that close at 5 PM and that most of us will never patronize.
But this store is a bad move and in poor taste. I have no problems with stores like this, but there is a reason most of them in this country are in suburban, isolated areas that don't have pedestrians walking right by them. At least the other one on King St is elevated with stairs so it's not right in your face. Imagine Lotus Bloom during the summer with the doors wide open. I would not want to walk children by that and frankly do not care to see the contents inside myself.
So, the democrats in the city government didn't like the gun store, so they opened the door for what we've got now. I can't say that I don't miss the guns (as high priced and strictly off the shelf as they were), but anything that makes the mayor and his stooges look like the fools that they are, is fine with me.
"But he added that city staff is drawing up proposed changes to zoning laws in hopes that future adult entertainment stores can be regulated."
You must be an optimist at heart. Unfortunately King Street retail is on the decline. Mayor Bling pays no attention to results instead he blathers then ignores the fact that others are waiting for him to complete his proposed changes to zoning laws.
"With the limited talent that is P&Z how can anyone be surprised."
They are a pathetic group. What have they tangibly accomplished? The Braddock Road Small Area plan was very poorly done!
"It's great to see the Discovery Store space finally being filled with a restaurant"
And a good one at that - Pizzaria Paradiso and Red Rocks both have applications in to open new restaurants on King. We've had a ton on great new places open up on King St and nearby. Why do people think it's in decline? Sure, there are some empty storefronts, but the economy sucks.
I'm not saying the City P&Z staff are rocket scientists. Indeed, I truly believe they are simple idiots, rivaling the City Council and Mayor. But despite their regular attempts to f-ck it up, (such as with the drug treatment center, etc.) and harass good business owners (such as Bittersweet and Mishas), King St is a great place and I see more and more tourists each day.
"anything that makes the mayor and his stooges look like the fools that they are, is fine with me."
Amen. You know its sad when you find yourself rooting for your Council and bureaucrats to fail at something.
"King St is a great place and I see more and more tourists each day."
I am not sure what you are seeing but although the number of tourists may be up the total sales volume is down.
Yes the economy sucks, but the problem relates more to the fact that King St is all we have for commercial and retail growth. Other areas around the Metro area have multiple options; we have only King St.
And there isnt much there that attracts Alexandria residents except some choice good restaurants.
If the economy sucks so bad then why has P&Z been a consistent and relentless irritant to getting things done?
They should be begging for business, instead of taking the attitude that "We are Old Town".
Face it, the Mayor doesnt know what he is doing when it comes to economics. Ideally what we need is someone who can take charge related to economic development and get all City agencies working together towards a common goal.
Here is what I think King St needs... and Washington St.
Get rid of Ross, Gap Outlet and the crappy junk stores along King St. Let Polo Ralph Lauren come in, a few nicer, upscale boutiques, (think Fifth Avenue in NYC or Friendship Heights in DC) a real, very good coffee shop (one with excellent coffees, pastries, music, couches and wifi), give the Movie Theatre guy a break on taxes so he can finish renovating and make the movie theatre a great entertainment spot.
Make King St one way east to the water, and Cameron one way west from the water to Washington ST, making the traffic circular, and giving the restaurants more sidewalk space for increased outdoor seating. (Also, make the last block of King St 7.5 feet wide at the entrance, restricting the use of that part of the street to small vehicles, the big SUVs would turn left or right on Lee St.
Put a pay parking garage at the edge of Potomac Yards, that is quite cheap, like $10/day and run a free Dash bus to King St for workers, visitors and tourists.
Do all this and maybe King St will turn around.
I think that its great knowing that I live in walking distance to a new pair of ass chaps. It really bumed(no pun intended) me out having to schlep into my SUV and drive out to Springfield for my latex needs at 2am. Will the Lotus be keeping after hours?
"And a good one at that - Pizzaria Paradiso and Red Rocks both have applications in to open new restaurants on King."
King Street is on the decline. Retail is suffering not solely because of the economy but because there is not enough good retail to draw customers en masse. Retail is being replaced by services like spas the Posh Princess and Lotus Bloom and there is a limit as to how many times I eat out each week.
"They should be begging for business, instead of taking the attitude that "We are Old Town".
What's your drift? That Lotus Blooms screams "We are Old Town?" Please explain.
I hate to sounds like a broken record, but Alexandria really needs to follow Arlington's lead.
Check out the article in yesterday's NYT about how successful they've been despite the economic downturn. (Funny, the only time the NYT mentioned Alexandria is when the Mayor was spouting off about trying to shut down our sex shop.....)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/realestate/commercial/07ballston.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1
--What's your drift? That Lotus Blooms screams "We are Old Town?" Please explain.
This town takes the attitude that you should be lucky to be a retailer on king St, that its some kind of "privilege". I dont know about you, but I live 5 blocks away from Old Town yet rarely shop there, and only go once in a while to eat there.
Plus, we dont allow chains, we dont allow any nightlife, and we have the largest concentration of poverty in Northern Virginia less than 5 blocks away from it (and no one at Adkins goes to shop or eat there).
There is no internal organic growth in Old Town. We are dependent solely on tourists. And only so many will come.
"I hate to sounds like a broken record, but Alexandria really needs to follow Arlington's lead."
Thats where I spend most of my time now. Face it Alexandria is boring and lacks imagination or innovation.
The potential of areas like the Waterfront, the Braddock Road metro, and Landmark are just going to waste. How long would Arlington allow a pink abandoned warehouse to sit in front of their Metro stop, or a crime-riddled 7-11?
I should have moved to Arlington, and first chance I get, I will.
"With the limited talent that is P&Z how can anyone be surprised."
That explains why we are nowhere close to Arlington and never will be.
Pray tell, what does Arlington look to Alexandria for to emulate? It seems all Mayor Euielle talks about is how we need to be more like Arlington.
"I hate to sounds like a broken record, but Alexandria really needs to follow Arlington's lead. "
It doesnt even have to be about density, but about focus.
Arlington isnt infected with stupid racial politics, a snobbish attitude, or lack of imagination. Thats why they consistently kick the crap out of us economically.
The Mayor should already have been voted out of office for his economic performance, but there is no one who wants the Mayors job.
"I have always wondered why no one in the City leadership flow sees that the problem is not attracting businesses or customers, its growing organically (getting Alexandrians to shop in Alexandria)"
City leadership is focused on making Del Ray's Mt Vernon Avenue the next big retail thing. In fact, retail space along The Avenue now costs more than in O.T.
The rich folks in O.T. are getting screwed just like the rest of us as Del Ray (er, Mayor and Council) allows King Street to deteriorate.
At lunch today I slipped in for a quick shopping trip, and found it to be a classy joint. In addition to the hardware that the Growler mentioned there is also a good bit of software. Yes, it is all geared to support the conjugal act, but what is inherently wrong with that? I don't think that there is any way you could characterize anything there as raunchy.
I have not visited the store on lower King Street, so I cannot make a comparison.
"
City leadership is focused on making Del Ray's Mt Vernon Avenue the next big retail thing. In fact, retail space along The Avenue now costs more than in O.T."
And how well is the Avenue doing? Its doesnt look much better and is a poor place to have retail, as its just a very long street with poor transportation and little shops dotted here and there.
I dont think they have even done a good job with that.
"City leadership is focused on making Del Ray's Mt Vernon Avenue the next big retail thing. In fact, retail space along The Avenue now costs more than in O.T."
Agreed; Del Ray reminds me of what King Street used to be from the 70s to 90s, largely due to a co-ordinated effort from the city.
That effort wasn't driven by the business-killing notion of taxing the corridor as was suggested during the ridiculous BID fiasco, but by tax breaks and grants via the designation of Del Ray as a business enterprise zone.
That sort of business-boosting help is needed, as just opening up a pedestrian-driven area completely to national retailers is never going to fly. Even local residents would prefer to drive to Potomac Yards or Springfield for those brand of retailers laid out next to each other with plenty of parking.
An urban layout like King Street needs unique and niche places that can't be found in triplicate at the local strip malls. Those sort of stores have been heading to Del Ray and elsewhere for far too long, and it's up to the city to intervene, especially as they've set about driving out other diversifying economic engines such as industrial businesses in favor of tourism-friendly ventures.
--"Those sort of stores have been heading to Del Ray and elsewhere for far too long, and it's up to the city to intervene, especially as they've set about driving out other diversifying economic engines such as industrial businesses in favor of tourism-friendly ventures."
Um sorry but they are not even heading to Delray anymore. What has Delray added recently thats of any interest to anyone?
One of the problems with retail and the business climate in Alexandria is that it does not reflect the per capita income and potential of the area. I still cant believe we have the Landmark Mall in a City with such a high per capita income. Look at King St, how many high end shops does it have? Or Delray?
As a high earner myself, I tend to shop in Arlington, Tysons, or Chevy Chase, and avoid Alexandria shopping altogether, as Alexandria in general lacks stores that cater to the high end.
Where are the luxury brands? the bistros and cafes? The nightlife?
Cant find any of it in Old Town or Delray, and certainly cant find it in Parker Gray....
A couple of comments from the Cranky One:
First, a lot of Del Ray's buzz focuses around eating establishments rather than retail: Dairy Godmother, Evening Star, Fireflies, Mancini's, St. Elmo's, the Caboose, the new Italian eatery, the two Mexican places, etc. plus the new butcher shop and the cheese boutique. The antiques stores consolidated to one, Eos oriental rugs is now gone and its original home on lower Mt. Vernon has been replaced by another restaurant. A couple of other retailers who opened last year may be struggling.
Second, are readers aware that Apple was interested in opening a store where the new Walgreen's is now located? Apparently the very aged landlord didn't know what an Apple was and went with a Walgreen's, which she did recognize. The City should have pounced on this opportunity and used tax incentives to bring in such a hip business, but they didn't do so. While a drug store is nice, we already have a CVS two blocks away. An Apple store would have been priceless.
Does anyone remember the long slow agony of our neighborhood over Harris-Teeter?
Growler,
I am actually not familiar with the demise of the Harris Teeter. Perhaps you can provide a refresher?
"Even local residents would prefer to drive to Potomac Yards or Springfield for those brand of retailers laid out next to each other with plenty of parking."
Actually, I would love to be able to shop on King street, and as a DINK I've got money to spend. Unfortunately, there's just not much there. Ross - who cares? Banana Republic - really small store. Gap - that store is just strange. As for the various boutiques - haven't seen much of interest.
An Apple store would have been great. Why can't we get a Nordstrom, a J. Crew or an Anthropologie? Seriously, why do we even have a city council if they can't even accomplish such minimal things like attracting businesses.
"Apple was interested in opening a store where the new Walgreen's is now located?"
As an Apple consumer, this makes me see RED and I wish I never knew this. There is a drug store everywhere in old town and there are few and far Apple retail stores in this area. The one in Arlington is a pain in the butt to go to with Arlington's dumb parking restrictions so I usually travel out to the one in Fair Oaks or Tyson.
A store here in Old Town would have really been an incredible addition which would have brought tons of people who could have widow shopped and even made purchases since they were already here on King Street. The next time I see the mayor I am going to ask him about this and I promise you I will not let him back peddle out of a reason as to why council could not make it work by giving tax incentives and informing the landowner how valuable a store like that would have been.
Just the presence of a store like that could have really started something great for the King Street business. I personally could care less if there are sex shops on the strip of not. I believe that everyone has a right to open a business where they can afford it. As long as it's not "Raunchy" which TRF explained that it's not. What ever brings people to the area to spend money is fine by me.
I also don't care for the comment stated "When do the corner transvestites return to offer demonstrations?". There is a whole community of people that live alternate lifestyle sand are productive citizens This comment was inappropriate and hurtful to those who struggle with their identity on an everyday basis. Let's not allow this very well maintained blog turn into a place where bigotry is tolerated and comments are allowed to poke fun at one group of people. As good citizens that care for our neighborhood, we are above that. Enough said.
Keep up the good work Growler, but man oh man I wish I didn't know about this Apple possibility. I'm steaming just sitting here thinking about it.
"I also don't care for the comment stated "When do the corner transvestites return to offer demonstrations?".
Whoa sailor don't dump your morally righteous rhetoric on me! You're obviously new to the neighborhood and contributed nothing to the clean up of King Street. Pros come in many forms and the transvestites had a busy corner trade. Regular customers well-known to the police. Only when people on this blog do something other than pontificate will I pay attention.
"Even local residents would prefer to drive to Potomac Yards or Springfield for those brand of retailers laid out next to each other with plenty of parking."
I don't agree with this. I HATE Potomac Yards and would be happy if I never went there again. It's hideous, getting there is traffic is slow and unpleasant, and the parking lot is a nightmare. But I gotta go there if I want a full service grocery store. I love Trader Joes and browsing at Whole Foods, but for feeding my family on a regular basis, I need an all purpose grocery store. A Harris Teeter at the Monarch or Madison would have been perfect, you IDIOTS. So instead, every weekend, I join the long, miserable line of traffic up Rt 1 to Potomac Yards. Want to keep me off the road? Build a decent all purpose grocery store in the neighborhood.
And even though I hate hate hate Tysons, Clarendon, and other similar type places (see reasons above), I go there. Like the previous poster, I gotta lotta money to spend but few places to do it in the city when it comes to clothes, household goods, etc. I do like the little Old Town boutiques and do buy there when I can, but we really need options for reasonaly priced, every day clothing staples which are not available in the City. Can't tell you how much I would love to shop at Landmark. But there's nothing there. So instead, Fairfax and Arlington get my retail tax money.
I'm not advocating chain retailers on King, but WTF is up with Landmark? I'd be there in a heartbeat over Tysons. Who is in charge of this retail disaster??
"Who is in charge of this retail disaster??"
No one thats the whole problem. We have no mayoral leadership. They cant even figure out what their own City staff is doing, let alone have a vision to repair a laughable mall.
Instead they draw pretty Powerpoints and hope.
"as to why council could not make it work by giving tax incentives and informing the landowner how valuable a store like that would have been. "
hahaha, a tax incentive. I am not even sure the Council knows what that is.
Although I find it strangely ironic that we cant give tax incentives to businesses but we can give over 15 million in loans to ARHA that they may or may not pay back in full, to build re-concentrated areas of poverty in our City that not many people really want.
And that provide absolutely no tax revenue and represent a net drain on city services.
But we cant find just a few bucks to get businesses to come here, generating tax revenue that could then be used to provide even more to the less fortunate.
Seriously, how can some of our leadership even look at themselves.....Arlington gets an Apple store, we get a 7-11
"Arlington gets an Apple store, we get a 7-11"
The Planning Commission just voted to permit a 7-11 in Carlyle and the upper King Street location is probably next. I relish the notion of our drunken bros walking between the two locations spreading their good cheer. Maybe the Braddock 7-11 will improve when the customer base is more dispersed.
A few comments about the comments:
"I think that its great knowing that I live in walking distance to a new pair of ass chaps." Best comment ever. I have to say I am happy about the sex shops, I don't really want my kids seeing them but a nice reminder how completely inept our city government is, but boy can they organize a basketball tournament.
"Del Ray's buzz focuses around eating establishments" true, but it seems like King St is in the same boat
"Face it, the Mayor doesnt know what he is doing when it comes to economics." with the regards to the "news" (at least news to me) about the apple store this rings even more true. but give mayor bling a break, he was probably wasting taxpayers money in scotland
"When do the corner transvestites return to offer demonstrations?" I think the keyword here is corner, the comment was not made in regard to mainstream LGBT, but rather the history of Parker Gray.
"I HATE Potomac Yards and would be happy if I never went there again." The times I go to Potomac Yards are a chore because of all the traffic, but that's where I have to go to shop. I do notice at least 1/2 the cars have tags from DC and MD, so I guess it could be worse we could drive 1/2 hour to sit in traffic to go to Target, oh wait we do.
"Apparently the very aged landlord didn't know what an Apple was and went with a Walgreen's"
Well as the Mayor and Marvin Mildew Miller like to say "the 1950's were great, let's not change."
My own observations are this city is in a fantastic almost unbeatable location, close to DC, close to the metro, chock full of history, high per capita income ... basically a dream come true and the mayor and city council are pissing it away. Good schools? go to Arlington or Fairfax. Good shopping? go to Arlington or Fairfax. Want to get mugged? Want to be ignored? Want to see city government push Apple and Harris Teeter to another district? Want to learn about how Public Housing doesn't work? WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA, PAY YOUR TAXES DON'T ASK FOR PROGRESS AND DON'T HAVE KIDS
For an alternative perspective, we left PG over a year ago and shopped extensively on King while we were in the neighborhood (6 years). The places we still go back to--Ross, Crate and Barrel outlet, Madeline, Nails Foxy (great eyebrow lady) and Bittersweet. Service is a key factor of why we still frequent a couple of them the rest is just plain value in this horrible economy. Something should be done, including a focus on family friendly business, sorry to hear Nina's closed, it joins a least one or two other kid shops that used to be on King, but I guess if you chase away the families the retailers can't survive.
Thanks for a great Friday laugh, even if its laced with harsh reality.
Thanks for the tips about your past shopping habits. The Growler doesn't know why we have people on the blog dissing Ross -- it's a great place to pick up household knicknacks and small gifts.
The Growler's shopping habits have changed with age as well as the Internet. When first furnishing an apartment, the then-underpaid Cranky One was a regular at places like G.C. Murphy's (formerly where the Restoration Hardware is located). Later with a house and a better income, the antiques, furniture and oriental rug places on King Street became favorite spots
But now the Growler has stopped filling the den with tschotschkes and is in more of a maintenance mode.
The Cranky One used to routinely buy books and records at Olsson's on Union Street after it opened in the early 1980s. It was the place to go for a variety of books (through Crown was a little cheaper), but with Borders' arrival and its larger selection and later Amazon, the Growler's fidelity faded. Sadly, Olsson's is now history.
A couple of the Growler's favorites have lasted through the years. For example, Today's Cargo with its wonderful jewelry has been around for more than 25 years, moving twice on lower Cameron and now landing on King Street.
I will add a few positives on this Friday afternoon. While I agree with much of what has been posted on this particular blog post, Alexandria is not completely lacking. I find plenty of places to eat and drink on the weekends and have no desire to go to Arlington. If anything, I will head downtown over Arlington since DC is smoke free. But most weekends I prefer to stop into the Grape and Bean for some wine, perhaps a cocktail at Vermillion/Majestic/Restaurant Eve or even the bar at Brabo in the Lorien Hotel. If I am in the mood for something fried, I can choose Eammons. A margarita, Austin Grill. Brunch? Plenty of places along King Street but if you head a little further north, Bastille is not a bad place on a Sunday morning. There are plenty of pubs as well if that suits your needs.
In terms of retail - sure, Alexandria could use a lot of things. But the Crate and Barrel outlet is always a favorite and while limited, I've been known to find things each time I go. Though small, I am a Banana Republic fan and there are two consignment shops in the area - Diva and something Mint that is on South Royal. The women at the Talbots on Washington are particularly friendly. Plenty of my friends and neighbors with children are big fans of the Ross. Need running shoes? Check out Pacers. They also have a running group on Tues and Thurs evenings that has become so popular they even have a walking group. Sure we could use a better, local bookstore since we have had some close and the city council members are not in touch with reality when it comes to planning. But Alexandria isn't all bad.
I can walk to public transportation, we have a Trader Joes and a very nice Whole Foods, are close to the Mt. Vernon trail and while Jeff Houston is not ideal for everyone, I have a glimmer of hope that someday it will be better. I don't plan on moving when I have a child and try as hard as I can to spend my tax dollars where I live and support the business owners I have come to know- despite all the problems and frustration that exist.
"The Planning Commission just voted to permit a 7-11 in Carlyle and the upper King Street location is probably next."
Its sad too in that is probably all our City could attract, a 7-11....
The problem with only attracting mom and pop stores is that they now no longer stand much of a chance against the larger chains (and Old Town is definitely anti-chain)
As such, King St just suffers more and more because its harder and harder to find businesses that want to deal with the Alexandria regualtory and business environment and can compete against larger chains.
This is the 25th highest per capita zip code in the Metro area and the highest per capita zip code in Alexandria.
And this is the best we can do.
To attract tax dollars at the high end you have to build higher end stores and more trendier and hipper places for young professionals.
It may sound mean spirited but it seems our City is more interested in attracting the lower end, as in the poor and the downtrodden. Perfectly well and noble but someone has to pay for that and there are limited places left to pull from the well.
I know if they raise taxes much more, the only advantage to living in Alexandria (lower overall tax rate than Fairfax or Arlington) is gone.
"I will add a few positives on this Friday afternoon. "
Love your post and agree there are many positives. But also understand you are the exception not the rule.
99% of my young professional friends wont come to Old Town, because, well, they think its "old".
And since King St is all we have when it comes to nightlife, retail , etc....even for a City of over 150,000 people, thats why people are increasingly frustrated.
"Whoa sailor don't dump your morally righteous rhetoric on me".
Not dumping anything on anyone. If 12 years living here makes me "new" in your eyes, then thats your own issue. Maybe step of your self righteous horse for a second and put yourself in someone elses shoe for a bit.
This neighborhood has a lot of history, good and bad. While crime is better than when I moved here, quality of life issues have only somewhat improved.
"but with Borders' arrival and its larger selection and later Amazon, the Growler's fidelity faded."
where is Borders?
Weren't there some new appointments to the ARHA Board? Does anyone have any info?
I tried checking ARHA's website, but it's so out of date, it's laughable. Of course.
Why are we not surprised that Old Town's King Street was not mentioned?
3 Va sites on Top 10 Great Places in America list
By the Associated Press
October 7, 2009
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Three sites in Virginia have been named to a national group's annual Top 10 Great Places in America list.
The American Planning Association recognized the Historic Hilton Village in Newport News as a Great Neighborhood. The group says the neighborhood hasn't changed much since it was planned and built during World War I.
Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg was recognized as a Great Street. The group says the street is an authentic recreation of the "great street" of Virginia's 18th century capital.
Virginia Beach's Boardwalk was named as a Great Public Space. The group says the 3-mile-long concrete boardwalk is an integral part of the city's economy.
I really think the problem is the mayor and city council. Did anyone read the plan they came up with at their recent retreat? Ridiculous. Seriously, most of them seem to be interested primarily in feel good platforms such as safe to school projects (i.e. painting strips on the road); environmental causes (i.e. building rain barrels); and helping the underprivileged (i.e. collecting pencils and paperclips for back to school backpacks).
While there is nothing wrong with such projects, they shouldn't replace their primary responsibility to run this city. Most of the council just seem uninterested in these difficult issues. I am hopeful about Frank Fannon and Kerry Donnely, both of whom seem to have their heads NOT in the clouds when it comes to real issues such as economic development. Let's take care of that stuff first, then we can focus on the feel good stuff later.
"But Alexandria isn't all bad."
No one's saying it's all bad, but we're frustrated that with a modicum of implementation of successful policies from surrouding municipalities, the King Street corridor could be flourishing rather than languishing.
It still blows my mind that we've got a resource as significant as our history as well as a deep water port that was used so creatively with the Dockside business of the 1970s, yet we're lagging behind other local areas who don't have such resources.
Sorry to post off topic, but about the previous Post and thank you TRF, but please post a link next time.
http://www.alexandrianews.org/2009/10/acps-same-number-of-fights-just-more-visible/
“Most of the incidents have been between students who know each other and who had some issue with each other outside of school that carried over to school,” Clendaniel said."
This is supposed to be reassuring?
"Last Friday, for example, there were three incidents during C lunch alone. One group of students threw money from the balcony into the cafeteria, causing students to fight over it. Another student got into a fight with his girlfriend and jumped onto a cafeteria table to escape her wrath. During all of this confusion, another student went into labor and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. "
Lovely and people wonder why parents move out of Old Town as soon as their children become school age.
I love checking in to see what is going on in the area. There have been some great suggestions from many different people. I'm just wondering if anyone is considering running for mayor next election. Did anyone run against him last election?
How NOT to feel good living in Alexandria City...
Receive your $3,300 Real Estate Tax bill (for six months) and then have a resident of public housing sneak into your common garage and take a sharp knife to your beautiful Lotus Elise (fiberglass sport car) This is what over $6000 a year buys me? Car damage, vulgar behaviour in the streets and the city's inability to deal with the public schools, and drug dealing. That and businesses on King Street are failing left and right do to extremely high rents. Needless to say, I am very disappointed in a system that values ignorance, having mass quantities of kids and living off the dole for generations, and penalizes working, saving and generally trying to be a good person.
Oh wow. I am so sorry about your car. A couple of years ago, one of the city's highly subsidized "underpriviliged" vandalized my car. Really, really sucked and my car was just a POS. I can SO relate to your frustration.
"With the limited talent that is P&Z how can anyone be surprised."
Got a chance to see King St yesterday, all I can say is WOW. It looks like on every block 2-3 places are for lease or sale, or closing.
Yep! Some of those buildings onKing St rent for upwards of $20,000/month. Businesses just can't make enough money to pay such high rents, so they give up and move on. It is sad.
There probably are some companies who could make money on King, but they would be chains. Of course if we had Bulgari, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Vespa Scooter Dealer, Illy Coffee Center, and at long last.... a Clydes, along King, it might not be a bad thing. Especially if those businesses were earning enough to help offset homeowner taxes!
"There probably are some companies who could make money on King, but they would be chains."
Unless real estates types, building owners or retailers are posting how do any of you know King Street's monthly rents? One poster has suggested that rents on Mount Vernon Avenue exceed the $20,000 sum recently referenced. Are not bloggers not keyboarding hear-say? The King Street problem is not that complicated. The City Manager offers little direction holds no staff members accountable Old Town typically votes Republican and Del Ray Democrat. Given the facts who repeatedly will come out on top? The failure to develop King Street is a tragedy! Want a box store? The malls have guaranteed parking.
There is a reality check for rents on King Street, and that is the revamped Web site of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership.
www.alexecon.org
Click on the link for brokers and you can browse commercial properties for sale or lease in the City. There are properties listed on King Street. Note that one property in the 200 block is going for $7,500 a month. Of course, everything is based on square footage. Perhaps our commenter can tell us which gigantic retail space is costing $20K per month.
Gee, I wonder if Apple could afford $7,500.00 a month?
I think the real problem with King St is that all of the boutique stores close so early. What are tourists and residents supposed to do after dinner? Walk the short boardwalk, maybe take a boat ride. But that's it. No other attractions, museums, few stores open late. Especially the further away from the river you go. It's a dead zone after about 8 PM. And these same botique stores are the same stores that don't serve most of the surrounding residents. I just can't see PG residents in particular patronizing most of these stores and restaurants on a regular basis. Most are for a different class of people.
When the huge two-level building that now houses the European furniture store was vacant, I thought it was such a rare opportunity to get something great in there. Perhaps a great restaurant on the lower level and a lounge/bar on the top. Or even a Barnes and Noble. One of the problems with retail on King St are the small spaces and it seems such a waste to have this building occupied by a furniture store with its doors shut by evening.
Other commenters are right in that Alexandria is paying the price for not attracting young professionals to this area. Just because you have young people does not mean it has to be a drunken mayhem like Adams Morgan. There are ways to do it right. And while we ignore this important demographic, Arlington is raking in the money with all of the young people making well over six figures spending their cash. The only places I see young people frequent on King St are Murphy's, Rock It Grill, and Flying Fish. And most of these are a hike from the metro. It's not surprising that young people avoid Old Town.
"Arlington is raking in the money with all of the young people making well over six figures spending their cash."
True, I know because I'm one of them. I don't live in PG, I'm east of Washington St., close to the Burg. I'm selling my place in a short sale and already have a condo picked out in Shirlington.
This City doesn't care about me, so why should I care about it?
""Arlington is raking in the money with all of the young people making well over six figures spending their cash.""
You can add me to that list. I deliberately go out of my way to not shop in Old Town. I live in the IC and wouldnt dare walk down to King St at night with the crime problems that constantly pop up.
I would rather get in the car and drive to Arlington. Heck, rather than walk to Braddock Road Metro, I drive ot it and park.
"One poster has suggested that rents on Mount Vernon Avenue exceed the $20,000 sum recently referenced. Are not bloggers not keyboarding hear-say?"
If rents are not 20,000 than why arent businesses coming?
Fresh, new dynamic businesses that cater to a younger crowd.
"I would rather get in the car and drive to Arlington. Heck, rather than walk to Braddock Road Metro, I drive ot it and park."
Gee! you mean Ms. Hamer's race based approach to the IC leaves you not wanting to participate in her walkable notion of the Braddock neighborhood. Her sense of place and my sense of place have not been the same since her arrival. Her plan was an exercise in nothing. The same is true for King Street. Yeah, I can't wait to get a hot dog and chips at the new King Street 7-ll.
"This City doesn't care about me, so why should I care about it?"
This City doesn't seem to really care about anyone. Nobody lifts a finger to encourage Apple to open a store, the schools aren't up to par with Arlington or Fairfax and King Street seems to be sliding into decline. Basically the one thing we seem to do well is provide A LOT of public housing.
"Fresh, new dynamic businesses that cater to a younger crowd."
Okay but from the younger ones descriptions of hip it is stores that specialize in signature brands like Lauren, Prada and Coach. What about the more novel boutiques like Imagine and Arts Afire? Are they not geared to the younger crowd? What about Chico's? Help me out as I am over 30 and don't think King Street needs national chainstores.
OK, time to put your complaints to work. The Growler has just received this announcement:
The City's Strategic Goals for Development and Economic Vitality Are the Subject of an October 22 Public Forum at City Hall
If you live, work or do business in the City of Alexandria, you are invited to participate in a public forum about the City's strategic goals for development, redevelopment and economic vitality.
The forum will be held on October 22, 2009 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. The forum is part of a broader review of the City's Strategic Plan by the City Council.
A team of two councilmembers is leading a review of each of the Strategic Plan's goals. The subject of the October 22 public forum is Goal 1: There is Quality Development and Redevelopment, Support for Local Businesses, and a Strong, Diverse and Growing Local Economy. Leading the discussion of this goal are Vice Mayor Kerry Donley and Councilmember Paul Smedberg.
Forum participants are invited to speak on behalf of themselves or a group and should address the following questions:
What should the City's top three development and economic development priorities be?
How should the City measure success as we work on those priorities?
What constraints should be placed on development and economic development?
Those interested in speaking should contact Brandi Collins at brandi.collins@alexandriava.gov or 703-746-3854. The amount of time for each speaker will be approximately 5 minutes but will depend on the number of participants.
Those who cannot participate in the October 22 forum may submit their comments by email. The suggested time frame for submitting comments is by November 3, 2009.
The forum on October 22 will inform a series of round-table discussions that will begin on November 4.
For these discussions, a group of experts on factors affecting development and economic health will discuss the City's strategic goals on these issues for the next few years.
The round-table members will be invited the October 22 public forum and all meetings of the round-table will be open to the public.
More information about the City
Council's strategic planning process is available on the City's website at http://alexandriava.gov/StrategicPlanning
"Gee! you mean Ms. Hamer's race based approach to the IC leaves you not wanting to participate in her walkable notion of the Braddock neighborhood."
Wanna trade PG's American Legion saga for King Street's sex scandals? It's all about neighborhood character. Just ask the city.
To see how messed up and unfocused King St retail is, you need not look any further than the stores in the Torpedo Factory, the corridor that funnels all tourists to the waterfront. This is prime retail frontage but what do we have? A jewelry store that closes early, I believe an art store that closes early, and I honestly cannot rememeber what the other stores are because they are not rememberable and also close early. Before the Alexandria History store opened, that was a furniture store. And the History store, while more appropriate for that space, is sparse and lackluster.
These are the stores along the only route most tourists travel to the water? None of us want an over-commercialized boardwalk feel to the waterfront, but we can at least get some stores that are open late and cater in some way to tourists. You might as well put dentist offices in there the way it is now.
Might want to reconsider the name "Old Town" as well as later night designer retail stores and hip night life if you want to draw in the 20 to 30 crowd and even older.
Old Town may be viewed as too old and stodgy. Image is vital to keeping a City alive.
"And these same botique stores are the same stores that don't serve most of the surrounding residents. I just can't see PG residents in particular patronizing most of these stores and restaurants on a regular basis. Most are for a different class of people."
"Most are for a different class of people" - Huh??" Just who do you think lives in PG? As several previous posters have mentioned, people making six figures live in PG. People who can afford to buy half million dollar homes live in PG. There are at least a couple of BMWs on my block and a porche lives a couple blocks over, so I guess people who can afford high end cars live in PG. No offense, but it's time for a serious reality check. PG has changed. The people who live here today are the exact type of people who can shop in boutiques and eat at King street restaurants - the issue is whether or not King street has the right type of stores/merchandise to convince us to part with our hard earned money.
As far as one of the other questions about Chicos - I'd say it's geared more toward the 50+ crowd....I've never known it to be a store that the under 30 crowd flocks to.
I also totally agree that part of the problem with the King street stores is that they close too early. I really think we need a few more (good) chain stores down there to draw more people in. Personally, I'd love to see a Border's move in. I hear the Harley Davidson store at National Harbor is doing tremendous business. Given all the motorcycles and tourists on King street, why did the city not try to attract it over here? A store like that would be a draw but also not compete with the mom and pop/independent stores already here.
"What about the more novel boutiques like Imagine and Arts Afire?"
The problem with these kinds of stores is that while great, just how often can any of us patronize them? At most, once a year maybe for gifts, and that's even a stretch. Stores need not be a chains in order to attract more people. They just have to sell things or services that people will buy on a regular basis. We don't have enough tourists doing impulse buys to support many of these boutiques. Especially the ones in PG where many of the tourists don't spend time.
The boutique stores work in places like Georgetown because of the sheer number of people walking by and because more people in that area are in the class that can afford to and enjoy shopping at such stores. The upper crust in Old Town is very limited by comparison.
"The people who live here today are the exact type of people who can shop in boutiques and eat at King street restaurants"
My point was not that we cannot afford to shop at the places, but that most of us in PG are at work during the limited hours these places are open. The immediate area around me is a ghost town during the work day as everyone works. So that leaves weekends for area residents to patronize these stores.
By saying a different class of people, I'm talking about the liberal elite ambassador's wives, etc that stay at home and are the demographic of many of these types of stores. We have some of these types in Old Town, but I don't believe enough to support these stores.
The main benefit of drawing young people is the higher amount of money they typically spend on dining out, entertainment, and drinking than other age groups. Many eat out almost every day of the week. And that's on top of their other purchases. In places like DC and Clarendon, they are sharing small apartments and so spend a lot of their time out and about spending money. You cannot ignore their economic impact. Yet this city has chosen to ignore it.
Just look at what has happened in a few short years in Crystal City. Once a dry, boring place to live without much activity outside of the work week, it's all of a sudden a very desirable area for young people to live in.
"What about the more novel boutiques like Imagine and Arts Afire? Are they not geared to the younger crowd? What about Chico's? Help me out as I am over 30 and don't think King Street needs national chainstores."
Two problems:
1. Ask yourself - how are these stores doing right now? how many young professionals know about them? Are they bunched with other hip stores or just isolated?
2. The problem isnt just chain stores or hipness; its concentrating young professionals near your major retail and restaurants because they are going to spend. Young professionals cant live in South Old Town because its too expensive and dont want to live in the Inner City because its a mess.
We can see these as problems because in the Braddock planning meetings, all they talked about was attracting young professionals. They never asked WHY they dont come to shop, play, or live; just that if they built a lot of density they would come.
How is that turning out? Monarch attracts young professionals but I know some of them and they are disappointed/confused as to what the Inner City and King St offer them. So they get in the car and drive to Shirlington, DC, Arlington, etc...
Notice I dindt say they go to Carlyle or take the Metro (not always safe to do)
"What about the more novel boutiques like Imagine and Arts Afire? Are they not geared to the younger crowd? What about Chico's?"
These are geared to tourists; most of Old Town is geared to tourists.
"
For these discussions, a group of experts on factors affecting development and economic health will discuss the City's strategic goals on these issues for the next few years."
Oh great more consultants to tell City leadership what to do.
Is this really the best we can do Growler? Why do we need to hire a consulant or expert everytime to state the obvious to us?
Do people in the City not know that consultants love our city government? They are laughing at us because we always need a consultant to lead the discussion, do the Powerpoints, tell our leadership what to think, etc...
(Wednesday) October 14, 2009
By Carla Branch
Alexandrianews.org
For years, Ann Ile has dreamed of opening a sex shop for women. Her dream come true is Lotus Blooms, King Street’s newest business.
The windows of Lotus Blooms display tasteful and expensive lingerie, some novelty items and some other items that might tempt those who wish to explore their sexuality to enter. Inside, the atmosphere is the same – understated, elegant and welcoming.
“My dream was to create a place where women and couples could come to get educated about and explore their sexuality,” Ile said. “We aren’t just another sex shop like all of those that people know about; we’re different; one-of-a-kind. We have created a space where people can come and ask questions and look at books and get information without being embarrassed. Now, if you want to read a book about sex, you have to go to a large bookstore. Here, you can sit on our sofa and look through books or just talk to one of us,” Ile said.
CW Hardy browses through some reading material at Lotus Blooms. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
CW Hardy browses through some reading material at Lotus Blooms. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
Ile and her business partner, Analena Graham, are nurses. “We understand how difficult it is to talk to a doctor about a sexual issue,” Graham said. “We don’t diagnose but we do answer questions and we can sometimes help women formulate questions to ask their physician. We are all about health and education,” Graham said.
Ile and Graham met at Washington Hospital Center where they still work as trauma nurses. Graham is a flight nurse with MedStar and Ile gave up flying to work in trauma resuscitation.
“We haven’t given up our jobs because we love what we do and we love this as well,” Ile said.
Sexy lingerie from Lotus Blooms. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
Sexy lingerie from Lotus Blooms. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
The shop sells an array of lingerie that is designed by European designers and European-inspired. “It feels good, is fun to wear and looks good on a variety of body types,” Ile said.
The “toys” are also one-of-a-kind. “They are well made and many of them are designed to fit the contours of a woman’s body,” Ile said. “We have things that are subtle to introduce couples to particular activities and other toys for the more adventurous.”
Graham designs corsets. “We have 12 different designs and I work with clients individually to design the corset that meets his or her particular need. Many of our corsets are made from organic material and are washable. If a woman wears a corset every other day, she can strengthen her diaphragm and, with proper diet, loose a dress size fairly quickly,” she said.
Corsets range in price from around $400 to $1000. “I can make them as simple or as fancy as you want and I have corsets for men and women,” Graham said.
The Minx and much more can be found at Lotus Blooms. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
The Minx and much more can be found at Lotus Blooms. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)
The shop opened on Oct. 1. “We moved to King Street because shortly after we opened in Georgetown, our landlord foreclosed on us and we had to close. Many of our customers are form Northern Virginia and we just love the location,” Ile said. “We are close to a Metro station and the King Street trolley has been great. Also, the businesses near us have been very welcoming. We are looking forward to a long, successful stay in Alexandria.”
"We are looking forward to a long, successful stay in Alexandria.”"
Poor lady does not understand the horror of doing business in Alexandria. Wait until they start yelling at her about the wrong paint color or some obscure regulation to have the right sized sign.
I own a business and live here but I would NEVER do business in an Alexandria location. Its a damn nightmare.
Great to see others try though.
"The windows of Lotus Blooms display tasteful and expensive lingerie, some novelty items and some other items that might tempt those who wish to explore their sexuality to enter. Inside, the atmosphere is the same – understated, elegant and welcoming."
With all due respect we were once told that Carla Branch, previously an Alexandria Gazette Packet reporter, was blind. So who helped her with the descriptions noted above?
"I own a business and live here but I would NEVER do business in an Alexandria location. Its a damn nightmare."
It's sad how often I hear this comment. In the past year, two different developers tried to build houses in my neighborhood and were dragged through the mud in years long processes. One gave up and put the property on the market where it remains. One succeeded, but only after years of negotiating with the City.
Yet when the Bland application came up for consideration, it sailed through without so much as the blink of an eyelash even though it is FAR FAR larger and more garish.
"Yet when the Bland application came up for consideration, it sailed through without so much as the blink of an eyelash even though it is FAR FAR larger and more garish."
I think everyone knows why that is...and even Bland cant get anything done.
I don't understand why everyone is upset....These private businesses are just charging for the same services/devices that City Council has provided to our citizens free of charge for years.
Can homeowner honestly say that they haven't been screwed by City Council?
Time to tell City Council and The MACHINE to shove it. (At least now we'll all have the tools to do it)
FYI, for the poster who brought it up, Carla Branch is indeed legally blind. She can only see shapes and outlines and even that, not very well. (I know her personally and hse has been a guest in my home.) Her husband and adult children (and I suppose others) help her with descriptions, typing, etc. For what it's worth, she doesn't "see" anything, really.
I'm in my late (late) 20's and my wife is in her mid 20's. We live in PG and like it. We like Old Town in general. I wouldn't live in a place like Clarendon unless I was paid a hefty sum of money to do so. Why? Because I like character. Clarendon can keep their chain stores.
I once told a friend where I lived and his response was "Old Town? I heard that is where young people go to die." He obviously was not being literal but figuratively speaking he's right.
There aren't a lot of 20's and 30 something's living in OT. I think a lot has to do with the cost of housing here. I like living here, again, for the character. I like the old houses and my friendly neighbors. I like the bars and restaurants on the lower end of King St. It would drive me nuts if we turned into Clarendon.
I don't have a good "plan" to offer in response to our local problem. I wish I did... but alas I'm left scratching my head.
The nurses at this shop are very kind, open and helpful to everyone; local residents and tourists, alike. They stand ready to provide a valuable health related service that our society has and will always need, EDUCATION. The shop is beautifully appointed and appropriately laid out; "soft" things up front and "adult" items in the back. I would recommend a personal "look-see" before making any judgements against or comparison to the shops along Rte 15 in Pennsylvania and New Yord that have their windows blacked out.
Can you please correct the spelling in my post of last night? New York, with a k, not a d. Very sorry!
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