Superfresh AU Park - Spring Valley

[Anonymous]

I knew there were some Spring Valley people fighting this but Wesley Heights???? Good grief, get a life people. Change happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s more discussion of the history here

https://thedcline.org/2019/07/11/nearly-4-years-after-initial-presentation-lady-bird-project-in-au-park-still-struggling-to-take-flight-at-former-superfresh-site/

The fact that this is from 2019 and we're still stuck with an empty lot and store is so sad. I know there was a whole pandemic going on - but still.

It's been vacant since 2013!!

No wonder developers won't touch Tenleytown now and it's a mess of abandoned storefronts and fast casual chains. The NIMBYs started with the complaints and concessions in 2015, and still sued in the end.

From 2015 Urban Turf article https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/200_or_250_residences_the_two_options_presented_for_au_park_superfresh/10408/

"One of the biggest community concerns voiced at the meeting was the fear that the development would further urbanize the area and potentially lower property values. Many in attendance seconded one long-time resident’s statement that 'if it looks like Bethesda, it’s not gonna work', agreeing that 'we live in AU Park' and moved there for the suburban feel of the community.

Residents would like more details and renderings of the site proposals, including fleshed-out versions of the matter-of-right simulations, direct comparisons of the proposed development to existing projects in the District, and explorations of more neighborhood-oriented market options rather than a big-name grocer, before they commit their support."

So they think that looking like Bethesda, by far the nicest and most valuable suburban neighborhood in the DC area, will make their neighborhood character LESS appealing and suburban?

This made me laugh out loud. People pay double for homes in Spring Valley and it’s filled with chemicals and toxins. Of course they don’t want a Bethesda vibe.

[Anonymous]

Hope it moves forward.

What to do about the tiny group of people who keep appealing? If you'll share names and addresses, those of us who live in the neighborhood could write letters asking them to please stand down. They do not speak for all of us. My family wants the development to move ahead.

[Anonymous]

Mine too. These people who are halting development are awful.

[Anonymous]

Well, here are two of the people involved:

- the head of the Spring Valley- Wesley Heights citizens association sold his house in 2021 - https://app.dcoz.dc.gov/Exhibits/2010/ZC/11-07G/Exhibit86.pdf

- One is the head of Citizens for Responsible Development (there is no list of other members) - https://app.dcoz.dc.gov/Exhibits/2010/ZC/18-06/Exhibit11.pdf

[Anonymous]

I'd love to see them put in a combo batting cages, miniature golf, arcade, go-carts place in there. I had something like that near me growing up and LOVED it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd love to see them put in a combo batting cages, miniature golf, arcade, go-carts place in there. I had something like that near me growing up and LOVED it.

I live in AU Park and my kids would love this. We have enough grocery stores already.

Or make it a school site.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd love to see them put in a combo batting cages, miniature golf, arcade, go-carts place in there. I had something like that near me growing up and LOVED it.

How much would an hour at a batting cage have to cost in order to make that kind of business profitable on that particular piece of real estate? Be real.

[Anonymous]

I live about 6 blocks from the Superfresh site, in Bethesda (just across Western Avenue). It's a shame to see that site sitting vacant for so long, when it could be a modest development.

In my neighborhood (just 1.5 miles from Superfresh), there is the Westbard development, which took over 20 years to get going, due in part to neighborhood concerns. Granted, IMHO the developer's original plan seemed like too much density in a suburban neighborhood, without additional capacity made for a library or schools. But that development is finally happening, with the first stage being completed soon.

In contrast, this development at Superfresh seems in proportion to the neighborhood, and would increase property values.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd love to see them put in a combo batting cages, miniature golf, arcade, go-carts place in there. I had something like that near me growing up and LOVED it.

They'd have to charge $50 a pitch or $100 a lap at today's prices.

Though I guess with today's residents of AU Park that might not be a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd love to see them put in a combo batting cages, miniature golf, arcade, go-carts place in there. I had something like that near me growing up and LOVED it.

They'd have to charge $50 a pitch or $100 a lap at today's prices.

Though I guess with today's residents of AU Park that might not be a problem.

^ I think I might be one of those residents, and I know many others whose kids use the cages at Turtle Park whenever they’re open/have been maintained/the weather permits. Dependable facilities - nearby - would do really well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bring back the A&P!

Did they have A&P in DC???

[Anonymous]

Maybe a St James type gym like the one in Springfield. People would spend a lot not to have to drag out to the suburbs for ice skating, gymnastics, etc.

[Anonymous]

Any DC lawyers out there know how long for an en banc decision to be made? I cannot imagine this case is interesting enough for the appeals court to hear it, so wondering how long until they say that and construction can finally, hopefully, possibly begin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd love to see them put in a combo batting cages, miniature golf, arcade, go-carts place in there. I had something like that near me growing up and LOVED it.

I live in AU Park and my kids would love this. We have enough grocery stores already.

Or make it a school site.

Au parkers should not have a say in this. Respect your Spring Valley and Wesley Heights overlords!