If can be a great responsibility for a local government to plan neighborhoods. Very often they may try to do things to revitalize an area, but sometimes they backfire. Stadium Armory neighborhood appears to have had this type of result.
This neighborhood appears to have been lower middle class for a long time. The residences that still exist in the area are nice and quaint though pretty small. Many take good care of their small yards by landscaping and cleaning their area of sidewalk. In truth though most of the neighborhood is quite barren and free of buildings.... And people.
The National Guard Armory once stood central to this area, large and imposing. The metro comes up right beside this awesome structure. It is now falling a little on the dilapidated side, but still does have special activities. Many school busses were there on the Friday we visited. The comment by one of the students was interesting when they spoke of "those white boys" and three of us were the only ones that could have fit that description. The farmers market that was advertised on the website for the armory did not seem to exist but some school activity was going on there. There were signs though to a farmers market so we proceeded to walk.
The new focus of the mostly barren neighborhood stood next to the armory, RFK stadium, the city's hope for the renewal of the neighborhood. Once home to the Redskins as well as many more teams and still home of DC United, I am quite sure that on game day the neighborhood is teaming with individuals, but on a common weekday it is devoid of life. Following the signs towards a supposed farmers market we passed a very few people. We passed areas that were parks and the DC united practice field though street after street as we chased down the signs for the market, only to eventually give up when a few miles later, no market was found, and no more signs.
We did however come upon a little more lively area. There stood projects, devoid of people, two schools surrounded by high fences and gates. Nearby were a few liquor stores and a Popeye's. A tiny little public library was close to the projects. It looked more like a converted fast food restaurant. Though it appears that the city feels there is little need to properly fund a library in this area of the city, I was still pleasantly surprised that they bothered at all.
Brookland was quite different. Where projects and barrenness except on special occasions seemed to be the feel of Stadium Armory, Brookland looked like it was thriving in its own opulence. The Catholic University with its large spires and jewel of a dome on the cathedral was decorated with extravagance. Marble, stone, and expensive wood trimming predominated here. Carvings of the saints and scripture surrounded all that pass that way.
The supporting neighborhood had houses that were at least upper middle class and lower middle class apartments as well as the occasional large and spacious home for the well to do. A hospital was in easy reach in the middle of the community. Private schools were all around and a city sponsored recreation center complete with a large indoor pool and athletic fields. No need for the high fences and gates around the schools here. People were out walking dogs and washing their nice cars and applying carnauba wax to protect their shine. The whole area reminded me of a nice small college town where to beat the Jones gets everyone up in the morning.
We ate at a nice pub that had 6 large flat screen TVs around on the walls, each on a different sports channel except for one with sitcoms, after all you never know, your company might not be entertaining enough. The food was good though the service was slow and unconcerned as if there are all kinds of jobs around they didn't need to worry if they did that good of a job. Don't get me wrong, they were not unfriendly, but they sure weren't concerned that they needed the tip to make their rent that month. The shops seemed to cater to healthy living... well except for the liquor store that was next to the organic market. A large number of banks dominated the commercial area as well as a couple Irish pubs and a yoga studio.
People were slowly caring for their yards and the kids were playing soccer at the rec center. Dog were being walked and cars being washed. All of these seemed to point out their financial security in a way that would never be seen in a poor neighborhood. The contrast of the two neighborhoods was quite striking. Though we didn't see any obvious homeless in either neighborhood, I feel this is for a very different reason. One neighborhood wouldn't tolerate it, and the other is already stressed to the point they have nothing to offer. Back in Dupont circle there was plenty of it. Seems there is more to offer and people are more understanding of it.
No comments:
Post a Comment