tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30306615.post3555782440600630236..comments2024-02-28T11:29:36.860-05:00Comments on just up the pike: south silver spring needs better parks, not just moreDan Reedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594208011755406956noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30306615.post-12684046412602254752012-08-16T08:52:45.139-04:002012-08-16T08:52:45.139-04:00@ Big Bubba and all other readers for that matter:...@ Big Bubba and all other readers for that matter:<br /><br />I think the vision for the Blairs property (Giant et al) was just a visioning, and is by no means currently proposed by the Blairs. It's more respective of what should happen to those properties in the case of formal re-development, which would have a very publicized and long public process through the MNCPPC office. There would very likely be many levels of below ground parking under the buildings - everything would be raised, and that Giant in the picture is actually a 'new' building with the multiple levels of development over it. I think it's actually a great location for a new park. <br /><br />The emphasis for this subject site and all others near it should be more on developing the land to it's densest plausible level to increase foot traffic and to help the under-used retail along E-W hwy. I'd bet if all of the vacant retail locations along east-west were to open, you'd see that area in front of Canada Dry/Veridian become very active. I always complain there needs to be a draw to that area, either a large anchor type retail store, or a substantial office investment to create a captive daytime audience.Gullhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07438448176121711386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30306615.post-47353177335391377072012-08-15T23:06:11.851-04:002012-08-15T23:06:11.851-04:00I can't imagine that Giant, or the apartment c...I can't imagine that Giant, or the apartment complexes, that use the area for parking think this is a great idea and they would go for it. In fact, I think they will protest it forcefully.<br /><br />I live on the other side of the tracks and rarely go to Giant because parking is such an issue there. I can walk to Safeway and WholeFoods so if this idea came to fruition I would guess I'd never venture to those shops. I will grant you the shops there get tons of foot traffic. However, closing the parking lot will have hurt businesses there.Big Bubbahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17630759885776940799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30306615.post-11517174669763671292012-08-14T14:06:33.607-04:002012-08-14T14:06:33.607-04:00I live in 8045 Newell as well, and I support the p...I live in 8045 Newell as well, and I support the proposed building, provided that it's nice, has an urban design and has a nice street character. The area is not overbuilt, as evidenced by the lack of retail space utilization. South Silver Spring still needs more residents or our retail space will be left under utilized. In addition, more people will put more people on sidewalks and more eyes on the street, making the area safer.<br /><br />South Silver Spring does need better parks. I'm with Dan on reprogramming the existing pocket parks. 8045 Newell has a pocket park of its own that is completely unused. It doesn't have to be this way.<br /><br />The Veridian Pocket park is not as bad as some would have you believe. It is by far the most popular pocket park I have seen in Silver Spring. I often see dogs running around and playing in it and people sit and eat food there. It could really take off if the retail filled in in that area.<br /><br />That being said, a little less programming for that pocket park would make it better. Those strange high metal tables and chairs are never used. Those should just be taken out. A little more openness to it would go a long way.<br /><br />The idea of putting a park in the Blair Park shopping center is a homerun. The proposal would be to gain more office space and living space, while keeping retail and adding in a park. That's everything you could want. The whole community and Silver Spring as a whole would benefit from this proposal at the shopping center.<br /><br />What really makes this whole park idea on Newell so silly is that the people who want this park never supported a park before the building was proposed. They don't want a park. They just don't want a taller building next to their building.<br /><br />In addition, the county did look at this space for a park but deemed it one of the least desirable potential locations. The biggest issue is that this strip of land borders The District. Why build a park to serve another jurisdiction? For most people in South Silver Spring, this park makes little sense. It'a also an oddly shaped piece of land.<br /><br />This, however, should not distract from real discussions about providing better park space in South Silver Spring. Evan is absolutely right that making Georgia easier to cross would be great. We also need to make better use of the myriad of pocket parks in the area.Patrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12909573380308387800noreply@blogger.com