Section 10-A2015. MC-2.5 MOUNT PLEASANT STREET

 

2015.1The Mount Pleasant Street shopping district was developed around the end of a streetcar line and has served the surrounding community for more than a century. Mount Pleasant has been a designated National Register Historic District since 1987 and is one of 12 DC “Main Streets.” Today, the commercial district includes a variety of small businesses and services, many oriented toward the large Latino population in the area. The area between Mount Pleasant Street and 16th Street is one of the densest in the city, with numerous large apartment complexes. 2015.1

 

2015.2There is broad agreement that Mount Pleasant Street should remain a culturally diverse, pedestrian-oriented local-serving shopping street in the future, and that the local flavor of the business mix should be protected. As in other Mid-City neighborhoods, there are concerns about rising rents and the loss of business diversity. There is strong interest in attracting new arts establishments and locally-owned restaurants to the neighborhood, and promoting multi-culturalism through outdoor fairs, public art, and street performances. There is also strong interest in protecting the architectural integrity and historic proportions of Mount Pleasant’s residential streets, and in acquiring additional open space for public access and community use. 2015.2

 

2015.3Opinions on the extent of new development that should be accommodated along Mount Pleasant Street itself are mixed. Some residents strongly desire denser mixed-use development, with new affordable and market rate housing above retail space. Others remain concerned about the impacts of additional density on traffic, parking, and historic character, and the effects of retail and restaurant growth on nearby residential uses. A continued dialogue on growth and development issues will be necessary to find the right balance. 2015.3

 

2015.4Policy MC-2.5.1: Mount Pleasant Street’s Character

 

Maintain and preserve the local neighborhood shopping character of Mount Pleasant Street to better serve the surrounding neighborhood. Support creative cultural design while protecting historic landmarks. 2015.4

 

2015.5Policy MC-2.5.2: Involving the International Community

 

Promote bilingual outreach and communication with local merchants and residents to more effectively address business impacts and create a better match between neighborhood businesses and the needs of the community. 2015.5

 

2015.6Policy MC-2.5.3: Mount Pleasant As a Creative Economic Enclave

 

Support creative and multi-cultural expression in Mount Pleasant through display, performance, festivals, and economic development strategies. The neighborhood should be a creative economic enclave, where incubators and small businesses that combine cultural and small-scale technological initiatives are supported. Cultural arts should be more fully integrated into the landscape of Mount Pleasant Street and should be part of the experience of living or shopping there. Additional arts, crafts, galleries, licensed market vendors, and space for business incubators and consulting services in the creative professions should be encouraged. 2015.6

 

2015.7Policy MC-2.5.4: Open Space Access

 

Pursue improvements to existing open space in the Mount Pleasant community, including better connections to Rock Creek Park, enhancements to pocket parks and plazas, and encouraging the joint use of school facilities to meet local recreational needs. 2015.7

 

2015.8Policy MC-2.5.5: Promoting Affordable Housing in Mount Pleasant

 

Protect existing affordable housing in Mount Pleasant and support opportunities for new affordable housing as a component of mixed use infill development along Mount Pleasant Street and in the area between Mount Pleasant Street and 16th Street. 2015.8

 

2015.9Action MC-2.5.A: Incentives for Mixed Use Development and Affordable Housing

 

Consider planning and zoning tools in Mount Pleasant to create incentives for ground floor retail and upper story residential uses along Mount Pleasant Street, with performance standards that ensure the compatibility of adjacent uses. Provide the necessary flexibility to encourage innovation and creative economic development, possibly including ground floor small businesses on alleys and walkways in the area between 16th and 17th Streets. 2015.9

 

2015.10Action MC-2.5.B: Expanding Mount Pleasant Open Space

 

Restore access to the Bell Lincoln recreational facilities and ensure continued public access to (and restoration of) the Department of Parks and Recreation Headquarters property and playground on 16th Street for the benefit of residents of the surrounding community, including Mount Pleasant and Columbia Heights. Access for pedestrians, wheelchairs, and bicycles between Mount Pleasant and Columbia Heights should be provided through this area. Consideration should also be given to combining Asbury and Rabeau Parks (at 16th, Harvard, and Columbia Road) into a single park. 2015.10

 

2015.11Action MC-2.5.C: Mount Pleasant Street Façade Improvements

 

Encourage urban design and façade improvements in the established commercial district along Mount Pleasant Street. 2015.11