The developer of the stalled Artena Bethesda project has begun removing trash and debris at the vacant properties at 7938-8008 Wisconsin Avenue, and 8011-13 Woodmont Avenue, in downtown Bethesda. Computer components, a portable grill, and other sizeable items are gone. Scattered trash and broken glass remain. The Virginia-based developer was cited for multiple code violations at the site earlier this month, and the eyesore properties have repeatedly been broken into by vagrants and the homeless. It has been a near-square-block size dead zone that is dark at night, hardly a safe and welcoming stretch for solo pedestrians along three major downtown streets, but a situation the Montgomery County Council is content to allow indefinitely. Heckuva job, Brownie!
Should include the people too...
ReplyDeleteWhen enforced, fines for such violations (and perhaps other 'punishments') can work. (When) Will this lesson be learned?
ReplyDeleteThe developers should be forced to demolish the buildings/structures to street level. That would put an end to a lot of this.
ReplyDelete"Heckuva job, Brownie!" such a moribund statement.
ReplyDeleteCurrent conditions are 3 High Rise and 2 Lower Rise Apt Buildings have been completed in the same area in the past year and are having trouble finding tenants. No way the banks will give loans for a new apt building under those conditions.
ReplyDelete