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Wheaton's Challenge: A Revival That Keeps Its Ethnic Soul
Montgomery County leaders say they are taking steps to preserve family-owned shops, such as the Latino-friendly Four J's Party Supply, that contribute to Wheaton's ethnic diversity. "Redevelopment that replaces small businesses . . . is not revitalization," council member Tom Perez (D-Silver Spring) says.
(By Michael Williamson -- The Washington Post)
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With council Vice President Marilyn Praisner (D-Eastern County), Perez has introduced legislation that he said would foster growth and maintain the "remarkable eclecticism that lends Wheaton its character."
The bill, if approved, would relax restrictions on building heights around the Wheaton Metro station, allowing construction as high as about 11 stories, double the current limit. Developers who took advantage of the new rules would have to set aside a portion of their first-floor retail space for small businesses and preserve open space.
The bill, which Perez hopes will be approved by summer, would also streamline the bureaucratic process, making it easier for businesses to expand or improve their properties.
Victor Lantang knows that redevelopment most likely will mean his rent will go up. But Lantang, who 16 years ago opened Sabang, an Indonesian restaurant, is also hopeful that it will bring in more people.
He needs the help. On a recent weekday at lunchtime, he looked across his virtually empty restaurant and said, "I hope we get some customers today." He wistfully recalled how years ago, before parts of Wheaton became tainted by concerns about crime, lines stretched out his front door Friday and Saturday nights. Then, he had 35 employees. Now, he has seven.
"We've been struggling really bad," he said.
So bad at times, he has thought of closing. Recently, though, he has noticed an uptick. It's enough for him to hang on, hoping lines will stretch out the door again.
Leo is also waiting for business at Marchone's Italian Specialties, the deli his uncle opened in 1955, to get a boost from redevelopment.
Still, all the change is "scary," he said. "I'm sure not everyone's going to make it."
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