Parking in a former site for trouble

Mount Rainier plans temporary commuter lot where liquor store once stood

Plans to open a commuter parking lot in Mount Rainier within six months are rekindling concerns that the vacant parcel, now fenced off, could attract crime.

The city bought the property, at 3208 Rhode Island Ave., last year after waiting in vain for three years for a developer to buy the land. The city paved the lot, the former home of Bass Liquors.

For years until it closed in 2005, residents complained about drug dealing, loitering, littering and prostitution near the store.

The paid parking lot would have 50 spaces for city residents and commuters drive into the District during the week, said City Manager Jeannelle Wallace. It is less than a block from a major bus depot at a traffic circle on Rhode Island Avenue.

Some residents say opening the lot could revive crime problems and won't contribute much to the community.

"Our land is valuable enough. Why should you give it away to people who aren't giving anything to the community?" Gabriela Vega said during an Oct. 28 community meeting.

Mount Rainier bought the property last year for about $953,000 with hopes of selling it to a developer. City officials have mentioned wanting to attract businesses such as banks, pharmacies and small grocery stores.

"We don't know when the development is going to take hold," Wallace said. "It will probably take some years, and in the interim we felt a good use would be to have a [commuter] lot."

Wallace said the purpose of the project is to promote walking and reduce traffic rather than generate revenue. Wallace said it's too early to estimate how much revenue the lot would generate.

During weekdays in 2008, an average of 22,591 cars traveled on Rhode Island Avenue past the lot, according to state statistics. Mount Rainier borders the District.

The area has not been a problem spot for police since the city bought the land, said Mount Rainier Police Chief Michael Scott. But that could change once the barriers to the property come down and it is open for cars, he added.

"I'm not really in favor of the parking lot being opened the way it is, with no lighting," he said.

Wallace said the city will have to light the property in a way that promotes safety but does not disturb neighbors.

"Once we take the barriers off, there's going to be problems on that lot because it's dark," Wallace said. "People living there are going to be concerned with all that light, but we want it to be bright because we want our officers to be able to see there."

The Prince George's County Liquor Board refused to renew Bass Liquors' license in 2005 after hearing complaints from residents, and the store closed when the owners filed for bankruptcy. The building was razed this year.

Much of the money needed for the parking lot will be covered by $119,000 in federal transportation funds, Wallace said.

About $60,000 has been spent on paving the lot and doing an environmental impact study. The leftover money pays for striping the lot, bike racks and parking meters. Wallace said depending on cost estimates for lighting, the city might have to apply for additional money. Lighting could be installed within three months.