Cleveland Park and Woodley Park have a history and charm that have made them stand apart from the bustle of Washington, D.C., for decades. These districts are both prized for a unique balance of residential stability and commercial vibrancy, yet a simmering debate among residents and policymakers has sprouted over the vibrancy and commercial health of their commercial corridors. In particular, the question has become whether these areas should get rid of existing limits, and whether they should be allowed to have more bars and restaurants — a change that advocates say could rejuvenate the neighborhoods by bringing in more activity and giving residents and visitors a broader range of dining choices.
As things stand, zoning restrictions in both Cleveland Park and Woodley Park limit the percentage of street frontage that bars and restaurants could take up. This has made for a fairly static dining scene over the last 30 years. However, CDC is currently re-evaluating these rules and many members of the community have come forward to express support for relaxing these restrictions. This community sentiment change is part of a larger push to improve the vibrance and attractiveness of these neighborhoods while respecting their residential nature.
The conversation is particularly timely as D.C.’s Office of Planning has recently contemplated changes to these zoning limits. Amidst growing interest from entrepreneurs and residents desiring more local dining options, the potential for zoning changes represents a pivotal moment for the future of Cleveland Park and Woodley Park. As discussions unfold, the balance between economic development and maintaining neighborhood integrity remains at the heart of the debate.
Local Demand for Dining Options
In Washington D.C., the neighborhoods of Cleveland Park and Woodley Park have experienced a notable increase in residents expressing interest in expanding dining options. This is a reflection of a broader desire for a diversified restaurant landscape to cater to the evolving tastes and needs of the community.
Residents Push for More Restaurants
Advocacy of residents: Residents have been outspoken about wanting more bars and restaurants. Such division is the latest response to a decades-long regulatory cap on the number of similar establishments allowed in Cleveland Park and Woodley Park. They say that dining outlets are an important part of community life and they want to change existing rules to permit a wider variety.
Rules limiting growth: Cleveland Park and Woodley Park have limited the share of commercial street frontage that can be occupied by dining establishments since 1980. Currently, Cleveland Park leaves about 24.99% of its regulatory room for bars & restaurants unused, indicating that the historic neighborhood is nearly at the limit of its allowed space.
Potential Benefits of Restaurant Growth
Economic stimulation: More dining establishments could stimulate the local economy by attracting both residents and visitors, potentially leading to increased foot traffic and greater spending in the neighborhood.
Enhanced community vibrancy: A broader range of dining options can contribute to the vibrancy of the neighborhood, providing residents with social hubs and places to gather. This, in turn, strengthens the community fabric and can make the area more appealing to prospective residents and businesses alike.
Challenges and Considerations
As demand increases for more places to eat in Cleveland Park and Woodley Park, residents and officials are contending with a host of challenges around zoning, neighborhood character and infrastructure. Zoning rules governing Cleveland Park and Woodley Park have historically limited to number of bars and restaurants that are permissible.
Anything to raise these caps would require changes to existing regulations and perhaps a re-evaluation of the broader planning framework for these neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Character and Preservation
The character of Cleveland Park and Woodley Park is defined by its historic architecture and community-focused atmosphere. Allowing more bars and restaurants into the area comes with the duty to balance growth with the preservation of these defining features.
Increased commercial activity strains local infrastructure. Before increasing the cap on restaurants and bars, it is essential to assess whether current transportation, parking, and utility systems can handle the additional demand without detriment to the residents’ quality of life.
