I
have come to believe - strongly - that the cause to preserve McMillan is of
critical importance to the long term health and well being of Bloomingdale - as
a neighborhood, as a community.
Additionally,
I feel this cause is inextricably linked to the cause to protect Bloomingdale`s
magnificent Victorian architecture - the charm and character of our
neighborhood.
I
am also convinced it is without question that the cause for Historic
Designation will only be more urgent, face greater challenges and be more
difficult if McMillan is developed.
Imagine the development pressure on Bloomingdale with the addition of
thousands of new apartment dwelling residents to the north at the McMillan
site... combined with the thousands new and thousands more to come in NOMA to
our south??
Imagine
as well - what will be the consequences to Bloomingdale of large scale
development at the McMillan?
Our
neighborhood is already deeply scarred by the butchering of the fine boulevard
that was once North Capitol Street, making it into highway to ease the traffic
flow for the thousands of new commuters following the development of the
suburbs...
It`s
not just about the development of McMillan - BUT WHAT IS TO FOLLOW THE
DEVELOPMENT OF MCMILLAN?
What
will be done to ease the traffic for the thousands and thousands of residents,
workers and shoppers for this little, car-dependent, suburban oasis in the
District of Columbia?
Will
First Street NW be sacrificed for the benefit of others as North Capitol Street
was? Will all the homes on First Street NW be forced by the city to give up their front yards? Their front stoops? Will all the trees on First Street NW be cut
down so the road can be widened for the thousands of new - car dependent -
residents, workers, and shoppers?
There
is so much at stake here for all of us that truly call Bloomingdale home.
Best,
Paul
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