Columbia Heights News - Washington, DC - Small Business Assistance Project

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Small Business Assistance Project

Written by Columbia Heights News

Wednesday, 18 October 2006

Washington, DC The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) is designing a project in Columbia Heights - about $2 million - targeting services and infrastructure improvements to small businesses along the main commercial corridors. The delivery mechanism will be Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for delivery of services, targeting mostly, though not exclusively, small businesses.

In partnership with community based organizations including the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), the Development Corporation of Columbia Heights (DCCH) and the Mid-14th Street Business Association which represents about 40 small and local businesses, this past summer, we conducted a Needs Assessment that included business interviews, online and street surveys, walkthroughs and observations.

We would like to invite suggestions, comments, and ideas from the members of the Columbia Heights community in this forum. We can also attend community meetings and explain the scope of the project and it's progress.

For comments or questions: Contact Alejandro Yepes, DMPED, via email at or by telephone at (202) 478 1343.

Please download the project overview:

Alejandro Yepes
re-Store DC, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
801 N. Capitol Street NE
Washington DC 20002

Comments

Written by on 2006-10-19 11:13:46

Overall, I think this report is a good start.

But nipicking, I'd have to say I strongly disagree with a ban on the sale of single containers of alcohol.

I personally like that I can buy a six-pack of beer that I know I'll enjoy, and then also being able to buy a single of something else that I might enjoy... without having to purchase a second six-pack.

I see no difference (particularly in price) between a single Guiness sold at a corner store and a bottle of their cheapest wine. Both are a single container, both are alcoholic. In fact, the wine contains more alcohol than the single beer. So what's next, only allowing us to purchase cases of wine?

While it's called a potential ban on "single containers," let's be honest: this plan doesn't have a problem with a neighborhood "desirable" heading into a store for a single bottle of Guiness. This is about limiting access to singles of malt liquor to keep away the drunks in the neighborhood. If they can't get their hooch, they'll go somewhere else.

While I agree that it's better to not have drunks about all day, scurring in and out of stores to buy singles of malt liquor once they gather up the change to do so, I don't see why my life should be negatively impacted (even if just slightly) in the process. Doesn't it make more sense for the store owners themselves (also members of our community) to decide NOT to sell the hooch the drunks are buying. If they don't sell it, the drunks won't hang around.

This approach would yield the same result - no more corner drunks - but without limiting options for those of us responsible enough to buy a single of alcohol and enjoy it at home.

If store owners decide to continue selling singles, and the drunks stay around, well... honestly, the market has made its decision. It's then up to us (the community) to stop shopping in those stores in hopes of convincing the owners to stop selling singles.

Anyway, that's a lot on the ban of singles. More than I planned. I see the logic, but I don't like it, and it reeks of northern VA social engineering. Don't turn Columbia Heights (where I've now lived for 6 years) into Clarendon!

One questions, too: The document states that a very high number of residents are "new" to the neighborhood. How is "new" defined in this document? How long do you have to live in a neighborhood before you no longer considered a newcomer, according to this document. It isn't stated within.

Finally, I'd like to add that I am excited about the potential business upgrades. They are needed. But I would like to throw in a good word for the folks that own and operate the Park Market on the corner of Park and 13th. I've been going there for years, and still go there consistently, despite the Giant being opened. They are great people who are good for the community and I would hate to see that store go away because of attempts to improve the neighborhood. Any assistance that store, in particular, could be offered from public coffers would seem to me to be a positive.

At face, one might think the Park Market is your typical corner store (cigs and booze), but it's far more than that, catering to the needs of a diverse community.

Thank you very much for your time.

Written by on 2006-10-19 11:15:52

Ooops.. I thought that was going to dc.gov, not on the message board.. I didn't even know I was registered!!!

Written by on 2006-10-19 11:32:42

I actually just got a message back Alejandro at the DC gov (really quick!) and he tells me a ban on single-container sales of alcohol was rejected by the ANC.

Implementation?
Written by on 2006-10-25 16:30:18

When will this small business assistance project be implemented?

Written by GforGood on 2006-10-31 09:43:04

Based on the PPT it should be underway.. It would be nice to know where exactly they are with it now.

In any case, its a fantastic initiative. $2m will not go very far of course but better than nothing!

Written by on 2006-11-01 13:47:46

Having recently concluded the Needs Assessment or the diagnostic phase of the project, we are currently evaluating (1) the availability of community based organizations; (2) their areas of expertise; (3) their capacity and willingness to implement specific activitis as part of the project.

We will share with the community at large the specific activies to be funded by the project. Funding will take place over the next 3 years or until we run out of funds.

We expect to fund these activities as early as January 2006.

Please contact me if you have any questions and thank you for your comments.

Written by on 2007-08-02 02:22:39

This could work and as i can see there are plenty people looking forward to start. But these people need facts. I think it would work even better if it includes a section for business loans informations, this is the main item when starting a business. People need to feel safe about that. Assistance is associated whit "help", what better help id not right informations and resources?

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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 March 2007 )

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