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Car Dealerships Win Fight for Route 1
John Schulkins bought Suburban Motors in Hyattsville after the owner decided to retire. The dealership has been selling cars on Route 1 for 35 years.
(Photos By Andrea Bruce -- The Washington Post)
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But change in the corridor is not coming as quickly as revitalization advocates hope.
Mike Franklin, owner of the funky Franklin's restaurant in Hyattsville and vice-chair of the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, said he could not comment on the ruling because the corporation's leaders are torn between supporting a law that could help boost economic development while closing existing businesses.
"Nothing moves as quickly as you would hope, but things are moving in the right direction," he said of Route 1's revitalization.
For example, florist Susie Rhabb opened her Basket Gourmet Shop on Route 1 in Hyattsville in 2002 after she heard about the arts district. Yesterday she was moving her baskets, bows and flowers into a larger retail space in the corridor because business has been good and could get better, she said. She would like to see fewer auto businesses and more stores in the area, but she said she believes redevelopment will take place with or without used-car dealerships.
"We need more boutiques and anchor retailers," Rhabb said. "I think it is going to take some time, but I see the potential."
Prince George's County Council Chairman Samuel H. Dean (D-Mitchellville) said he does not see any point in pursuing the case any further. "I'm just remaining hopeful that there will not be a proliferation of used-car lots on that corridor and in the county," he said.
Schulkins of Suburban Motors said he doubts more dealers will come. And even though he said he believed enough in the Suburban Motors business to buy it, he was not entirely sure new challenges will not arise.
"There is a sense that we are waiting for redevelopment to come to Hyattsville and that worries us a little bit," he said. "I've got my fingers crossed."
Staff writer Ovetta Wiggins contributed to this report.
