Wheeww, I was getting worried there.

i’m with WIA – i’m basically freaking out about whether the good people of Cleveland Park will make it through the recession intact!!

Don’t forget, DcDireWolf, that wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy … alcohol is, after all, one of the few recession-proof businesses … and I’d rather wine then the other ones (Wallmart and fast food) …

I was told, but cannot confirm, that the one person stopping all kinds of cool places from opening was new Cleveland Park resident Laurie Collins. Can anyone confirm this rumor?

Apparently she knows all the right buttons to push with the DC government to hurt businesses and residents alike.

Neener – Nah. It’s overpricing by the landlords and NIMBY activism in general, not a single person.

That shopping center hit the skids in a big way about 2 years ago, losing the Blockbuster, Whatsa Bagel, and a couple other places in pretty quick succession (the Thai restaurant also changed ownership, but kept the format, so it was less noticeable). The block right below the Park and Shop also has a ton of empty storefronts, including the former McDonald’s space, which is going on (wait for it)… *5* years of vacancy this summer. The Radio Shack, the Ritz Camera, and some bar closed, as well. Apparently, the rents are extremely high, and any new food establishment needs some sort of zoning overlay exemption, and all of that is combining to drive away any new business. Don’t mock Cleeps, though; there are plenty of middle-class renters there (myself formerly included), it’s accessible from Mt.P/C-Heights via the H buses, and the development is concentrated around the Metro, which means it can serve as a destination, not just for the area residents. DC is a better place by having more thriving commercial districts.

Shoot, I miss the old Blockbusters and certainly the What’s a Bagel.

Something like Best Cellars proabbly wouldn’t do bad. It’s also going to be right next to the (nasty) McGruders, so that will bring in people shopping for dinner. Best Cellars was nice to live near in Dupont, b/c I always knew I’d get something good, even if the selection wasn’t that broad. The other shop near best cellers on CT and Q, which has a great selection, I wouldn’t go to because of the one blonde jerkwad who works there. His attitude was never welcoming. It was demeaning.

Thanks. It was a Mt Pleasant resident who told me that she was on the bankroll of some NIMBYs who paid her to make things go their way.

Jimmy D is right. Cleveland Park liquors has good selection and good prices (especially compared to the everything behind bullet-proof glass places in CH & Petworth) and the wine guru there gives great recommendations and is extremely knowledgeable.