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Seriously, lol. I think PG has some other alright places. The revitalized part of Hyattsville along Route 1 looks like it'll be good in some time. Riverdale Park, historic Hyattsville and University Park have some very nice housing stock. Bowie Town Center seems alright. Largo TC not so much...
I disagree with these comments about National Harbor. Yes, it's a bit bare and will take time to mature as a development (again, this is in PG County, the most disinvested part of the DC area) but it has promise to grow into. The location is right next to DC and Alexandria with gorgeous views of the Potomac River, a nice pier that has activities there, a water taxi, a truly great destination resort hotel to visit in the Gaylord (especially around Christmas), and a growing number of stores and restaurants. Is it Tysons 2 or even Reston Town Center? Obviously not. I think for the first few years since its opening the managers have focused on making this above all a SAFE environment, which given its surroundings is paramount. With the economic downturn there has also been some stalled momentum and the addition of the outlet centers is probably a recognition that PG needs to walk before it runs (haven't heard as much squawking lately from local officials about PG's lack of "high-end" retail). Still, if it can be taken on its own terms and appreciated on its own merits (a relatively nice development in an area that sorely needs it) then I think it's a success. It's certainly pretty crowded most times I've been there.
DW and I went to NH on the way home to Annandale from an event in Upper Marlboro. We like to walk, and figured we would walk there for a change.
On the one hand the layout is very nice, near perfect urbanist design - great views of the Potomac and Virginia, from the streets and from the amazing hotel - the mix of shops was interesting and had lots of independents (unless those are just chains I dont recognize) - pretty vibrant and diverse crowd.
It does seem almost "too perfect" - like it was designed by architects, urban planners and market research people together - still we have far worse around the region.
It is isolated - which detracts from its potential to contribute to urbanist development in the area, and which aggravates the disneyland sensation - and also aggravates perhaps the most annoying thing, the parking. We parked at a meter and "only" paid $3, but thats alot for a walk. There isnt really the option as in most urban areas of going further and trading walking time for parking cost.
We are glad we went, but I can't see going back soon, at least by car. Walking/biking from old town, or even taking a boat sound like interesting possibilities.
National Harbor is good for PG County, but I don't see any need to venture there. I wish it had been built at Poplar Point, but that's a different matter altogether.
National Harbor is good for PG County, but I don't see any need to venture there. I wish it had been built at Poplar Point, but that's a different matter altogether.
Building it at Poplar Point (or nearby Buzzard Point) would have been a great idea. Imagine all the business moving to and from the baseball stadium. Right now there's very little for these crowds to do locally, other than head back to the Metro after the game is over. It would also provide continuity with Waterfront west of the river with redevelopment of Historic Anacostia on the east. From there, development could continue to connect with the new DHS headquarters.
This would effectively rejuvenate the economy of a huge swath of Ward 8 without moving any of the "Big Blocks": Ft McNair, Bolling, Navy Yard, or I-295.
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