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| | | The 7th Street problem | | June 22, 2009 | | | | The argument over whether to keep the 200 block of 7th Street SE closed on weekends is stoking big emotions in the community, as the market gears up to reopen next week.
Despite Mayor Adrian Fenty’s recent proclamation that the street would remain closed to create a pedestrian plaza, Fenty’s office and Ward 6 D.C. Council member Tommy Wells have repeatedly promised some form of publicly aired process to determine the final fate of the block. But thus far, no such process has been scheduled. Meanwhile, the permit that allows the closure of the street is set to expire June 28, two days after the market reopens.
While Fenty’s announcement suggests the permit’s expiration is irrelevant, this issue matters a great deal to everyone who does business in and around the market. This is a case where there are good arguments on both sides. Creating a pedestrian plaza to lure some extra tourists and Metro riders to the market makes sense. But so do the arguments of many of the brick-and-mortar business owners, who say their sales are down as a direct result of the altered car and pedestrian traffic.
The city may not be able to resolve these arguments, but it can do its best by delivering on its promise to open up its decision-making. | | | | | Log in to comment on this article |
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