Lees Should Explore Upscale Model

I signed on as a protestant. I'm in "go-with-the-flow" mode right now, but I do have some thoughts on these events. I believe that N-A-Minit has been a much better neighborhood presence than Excello, based on my 23 years in the neighborhood. But, it boils down to a "lesser of 2 evils" situation. Perhaps I was naive at the time, but the bothersome alcohol consumption only transitioned into the much worse drug presence when the neighborhood began to chase away the drinkers. They dwindled, but were replaced by the much worse drug crowd. Unfortunately, what seemed to be a bad situation at the time has turned worse, and there is no way to make a reverse turn.

That said, in the present environment we are looking at a definite blighted area. I can understand that the Lees are unwilling to take a chance on a new business model and redo their store in a more upscale style. I am not a small business owner, so I cannot assess all of the risks and rewards of such a venture.

However, it seems to me that with the advent of Lovejoy Lofts, there would be a likely chance that a better mix of products and services would survive and prosper. I know people who walk to the 7-11 in the mornings for exercise and a cup of coffee. I'm not advocating a Starbucks, but the last time I had guests and wanted something to add to a late breakfast, the Twinkies and HoHos at N-A-Minit did not inspire me! I don't know zoning code, but the buildings' setbacks look like a great opportunity for a sidewalk cafe area, in the style of the Park Café over by Lincoln Park. I think the Lees are missing a great opportunity to make money and to work in a safer environment.

Regarding the transfer of the liquor license: once they have the Class-A in hand, what is to stop them from jettisoning all of their foods and sundries and turning the whole establishment into a dive-version of Schneiders, serving up only beer, wine, and hard liquor? What is to stop them from expanding into the Excello building and filling both sites with alcohol products? We are told that the Excello building would become some sort of other business. I have a hard time envisioning the sort of establishment that would feel comfortable setting up shop next door to N-A-Minit in its current state.

And then there is the horrible Pepco facility on the corner of 13th and D Streets which does nothing to improve the neighborhood either. Pepco's little island of industrial wasteland only further entrenches the shabbiness of what could be a vibrant commercial corner within walking distance of our community. Well, Pepco doesn't sell alcohol, but their contribution to blight is hardly any less than N-A-Minit and Excello. §