2008 Woodie Awards
Locals fear city could lose character
Brady Holt
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: News
Developers of the East Campus project are trying to reassure a skeptical community they are "sensitive and thoughtful about finding the character of College Park."
Some businesses worry that developer Foulger-Pratt Argo's plans will change the unique character of College Park. They cite the developers' recent Silver Spring revitalization as an example of a town that lost its unique feel as a result of re-development.
"We have to turn to admit that this isn't necessarily a very nice college town but turning it into Silver Spring isn't necessarily the way to go," Vertigo Books owner Todd Stewart said.
Developer Foulger-Pratt Argo Principal Richard Perlmutter said the local retail must balance nationwide chains in the mixed-use project.
"We see College Park as a great college town, and we have to build on that by offering additional opportunities for retail and living," Perlmutter said, by bringing in businesses new to College Park.
Perlmutter explained his idea of College Park's character as its "orientation to the university and young people that you won't find in other places."
"Silver Spring is not being superimposed on College Park," he said. "That's not the plan." He said East Campus will probably differ from Silver Spring in offering housing over retail and more businesses designed to cater to younger audiences than in his company's previous project.
But retailers say they are still worried the project will threaten unique shops in the town.
Stewart said he fears that the Barnes & Noble planned for East Campus could destroy his own smaller store, located two doors down from the former Wawa location.
"I'm afraid it might be harder for businesses to stay in business," Stewart said. "It's never been easy. Look at all the empty storefronts that are here. I'm looking at three right now across the street."
Perlmutter said he had not heard that businesses local to College Park have shown concern for their own well-beings.
Some businesses worry that developer Foulger-Pratt Argo's plans will change the unique character of College Park. They cite the developers' recent Silver Spring revitalization as an example of a town that lost its unique feel as a result of re-development.
"We have to turn to admit that this isn't necessarily a very nice college town but turning it into Silver Spring isn't necessarily the way to go," Vertigo Books owner Todd Stewart said.
Developer Foulger-Pratt Argo Principal Richard Perlmutter said the local retail must balance nationwide chains in the mixed-use project.
"We see College Park as a great college town, and we have to build on that by offering additional opportunities for retail and living," Perlmutter said, by bringing in businesses new to College Park.
Perlmutter explained his idea of College Park's character as its "orientation to the university and young people that you won't find in other places."
"Silver Spring is not being superimposed on College Park," he said. "That's not the plan." He said East Campus will probably differ from Silver Spring in offering housing over retail and more businesses designed to cater to younger audiences than in his company's previous project.
But retailers say they are still worried the project will threaten unique shops in the town.
Stewart said he fears that the Barnes & Noble planned for East Campus could destroy his own smaller store, located two doors down from the former Wawa location.
"I'm afraid it might be harder for businesses to stay in business," Stewart said. "It's never been easy. Look at all the empty storefronts that are here. I'm looking at three right now across the street."
Perlmutter said he had not heard that businesses local to College Park have shown concern for their own well-beings.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
artie
posted 10/03/07 @ 8:49 AM EST
my only response is... what character? college park is probably the worst college town in america, ANYTHING will be an improvement
henry
posted 10/03/07 @ 9:17 AM EST
I think that is a little harsh artie, but I agree in principle. Route 1 esp. is a complete dump.
Jenna Brager
posted 10/03/07 @ 2:57 PM EST
I agree that College Park is a horrible college town, but the places that make me love it are the places like the Perk and Vertigo. Downtown Silver Spring is a completely characterless Stepford-wife version of a town. (Continued…)
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