30 Mar 2011

Results from Barracks Row Survey In and Noted: Make Your Reservations Now

uploaded to Flickr by Phil Roeder

The numbers are in and the report has been delivered — for the recent Barracks Row feedback poll, that is.  The question remains, was there any suspicion that the results would be anything other than a battle cry and ammunition for uber-restaurateur Xavier Cervera in the ongoing neighborhood dialogue about the restaurant and retail mix on Barracks Row?

The survey, completed at the end of February by Jon Stover & Associates, was paid for by Cervera and overseen by Barracks Row Main Street. Responses were gathered online, by phone, flyer and on the street, and 837 people weighed in. If you want to know how the surveyed really felt, read the 195 comments. My favorites are the shout out to Santa and the trash talking about 7-11. But, as one would suspect, the message was this: there’s enthusiastic support for the  growing restaurant scene on Barracks Row, concern about parking by those within a 3 block radius, and a considerable desire for more retail outlets.

Along with the survey, Stover & Associates produced a thorough market analysis on the neighborhood with information about the area’s economic evolution, parking analysis and recommendations, occupancy trends on Barracks Row, and city-wide neighborhood zoning case studies, gathered together with information from DC Office of Zoning and the CHAMPS Retail Mix committee. The comparisons between neighborhoods that have and haven’t instituted liquor license moratoriums and the volume of licenses does make for some interesting reading and pondering of Malcolm Gladwell-style economic trending. One hopes that recipients of the report, including ANC 6-B and the economic development subcommittee of Barracks Row Main Street, will give all the data points time to ruminate.

And, as promised, four survey participants won $25 restaurant gift cards.

 

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8 responses to “Results from Barracks Row Survey In and Noted: Make Your Reservations Now”

  1. b says:

    on findings

    “Strong desire for more variety of businesses”

    How does this happen if restaurants and bars continue to squeeze into every commercially available inch of space on BR. I’m ambivalent on the impact of more bars/restaurants, so I ask this question honestly and without judgement. I just wonder where this mix is supposed happen as more and more new food establishments come on line (both Mr. Cervera’s and others). I also hope they consider “variety” beyond types of food establishments.

  2. IMGoph says:

    almost got it all correct, but there’s still one version of barracks row in here with a possessive apostrophe!

  3. Kate McFadden says:

    Thanks IMG. I do often feel your red pen. It does make me a bit cranky, but I’m generally appreciative.

  4. IMGoph says:

    sorry, kate. don’t want to make anyone cranky!

  5. Steve says:

    This needs to be about more than Barracks Row. Penn Ave in general is in need of more development. I’d love to see more down my way towards Potomac ave. There’s a giant dead spot between 9th St and the bridge (a few businesses and Harris Teeter now) that could use development. BR is the hot spot right now and everyone wants in. Until whatever is going to happen there is settled, we won’t see more businesses come in to other parts of the hill.

  6. b says:

    I wouldn’t call the Naval Hospital on the 900 block of Penn Ave a “deadspot.” Nor the commercially zoned offices across the streets or the residential stretch from the N. 1000 block of Penn/E St through 1200 block Penn (the S portion is pretty much built out already). Not mention PG Seniors home in the middle too.

    While there’s development potential around the Potomac Ave station, you’re unlikely to ever see a contiguous commercial stretch between BR and the eastern part of the Hill SE. But it’s anything but a “deadspot”

  7. Penn Ave says:

    b and Steve… I agree that we would like more of anything down Penn Ave from 9th to the River. When Senarts took over the vet clinic, they came our way and are now at 13 and Penn. It’s good for us and more foot traffic is good for everyone. I encourage bizto move our way for lower rents!

  8. Hillman says:

    The Hill is still underserved by restaurants.

    When every restaurant has an hour wait even on off nights you know you could use more decent places.

    As for a mix of retail, that’d be nice, but I’m adamantly against forcing existing property owners to downgrade the use of their property because we think it’d be cute to have a shop making homemade wooden toys or whatever else we think is charming, no matter how impractical.

    If the property owner has the proper zoning, it’s really up to him to develop as he sees fit. That’s the whole point of investing in a city.

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