Beautification Project Leaves Local Businesses On Shaky Ground

A city-sponsored streetscape beautification project currently under construction in Washington D.C. has been keeping many customers away from local businesses. Many are calling on the city to help out businesses during the construction-caused lull.

1 minute read

August 8, 2007, 1:00 PM PDT

By Nate Berg


"The regulars are on vacation. Most expense account business is in recess. And the city-sponsored construction mess outside restaurant doors -- which has scared off weekend diners from the suburbs and local foot traffic as well -- has been, and will be, there for months to come."

"P Street NW, west of Dupont Circle, is in the middle of the latest District Streetscape project, part of a Department of Transportation program that beautifies business corridors with brick sidewalks, greenery, old-fashioned globe lamps, modern underground infrastructure and freshly paved streets. City officials like to call the disruption 'short-term pain for long-term gain.'"

"But some activists are concerned that not all P Street businesses will survive the $3.5 million project, which broke ground in January and is scheduled for completion in April. They want District government and economic development groups to help tide over the merchants with grants and small-business loans."

Wednesday, August 8, 2007 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business