Pr. George's Board Approves Project at National Harbor

The Prince George's County Planning Board has given developer Milton Peterson the go-ahead to build a convenience store, gas station and fast-food restaurant on his property at National Harbor, projects that some say are at odds with the upscale development.

Andre Gingles, an attorney for National Harbor, said the panel's unanimous approval last week will allow National Harbor to provide guests, employees and residents with amenities not found at the resort, which is filled with hotels, specialty shops, condominiums and restaurants.

"There is in excess of a dozen restaurants there, but there is nothing quick to serve those who want something fast," Gingles said.

Area residents and history buffs who objected to Peterson's initial proposal had said they were concerned about whether the buildings would fit the vision of the resort and detract from historic sites next to National Harbor.

National Harbor representatives had asked the Planning Board for permission to build a Wawa store with a gas station near Oxon Hill Road and National Avenue and a gas station with a 7-Eleven and a fast-food restaurant on the south side of Harbor View Avenue.

William Cavitt, vice president of the Indian Head Highway Area Action Council, said he went "nuts" when National Harbor officials suggested building a Wawa on property that abuts Oxon Hill Manor, a Georgian-style manor house that dates to the 1700s.

"It was not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood, the historical properties that are there," said Cavitt, a community activist.

Oxon Hill Manor was home to some of George Washington's nephews and a nephew of John Hanson's, the first president of the Continental Congress. Many think Hanson was buried in the estate's cemetery.

John Petro, president of the Prince George's Historical Society, said that some of the group's members had mixed feelings about the plan because National Harbor is an important economic development engine in the county.

"You can't have no development, but you also have to have responsible development," Petro said.

National Harbor officials agreed to withdraw their original proposal and concentrate on building a convenience store, gas station and fast-food restaurant on part of the land that is farther away from Oxon Hill Road and the historic properties. National Harbor doesn't have signed agreements with any store.

Gingles said the store will have architectural attributes similar to those of Oxon Hill Manor, with sand-molded bricks and large windows. "We didn't try to duplicate the manor, but we want to enhance the venue," he said.

Zeno W. St. Cyr II, president of the Riverbend Citizens Homeowners Association, said that moving the location of the buildings and adjusting the architectural style has helped change many opinions about the project.

But St. Cyr II said some residents don't want this type of project in National Harbor. "They say we don't need another fast-food restaurant" in the Oxon Hill area, he said.