I agree with almost everything in the letter. My only problem is on the idea of rent control or subsidies for rents AFTER reconstruction is completed. If this were for a brief specified period--say 6 months--I can see its purpose. If it's longer than that, then we're paying to keep businesses afloat when there's really no rational justification. Theoretically, the nearly constructed new residences in the area will bring increased disposable income before construction even begins on Lot 13. These residents are likely to use the businesses on Lot 13 even during construction, as it's just a small walk away. In my view, a plan to subsidize rents for longer than 6 months after construction on Lot 13 is completed seems to serve little purpose towards redevelopment. If the County is simply in the business of saving Wheaton's businesses, how about Dusit Thai, the bike shop, Barnaby's, Dejabel, the Brazil store, and Baskin-Robbins for starters?

I agree that we would all like more transparency with redevelopment too. Is the plan the same, just delayed? Might M-NCPPC be constructed on a different site? Is there a possibility that something closer to what WRAC and WUDAC recommended originally may be up for reconsideration? Will residents ever be asked their opinions too? I can and do write to the County Council, but an open session would be nice, even if I went just to hear what was happening.

Esther,
I appreciate you taking the time to write about some important topics. I have one advice/request from you. It seems that when you write about a topic and the dialogue gets going, you write a very similar article the same day or next day on the same subject. I feel that defeats the purpose of the blog world. It is greatly appreciated when you write an article about one subject and more specifically Wheaton development and Costco gas that you keep it on the front page for a few days so the dialogue matures and the County Officials may spend sometime reading what the masses think. Here an example of another article very related to this one that appeared a few hours before this one.
http://wheaton-md.patch.com/articles/siting-questions-remain-for-wheaton-redevelopment-plan

I appreciate the full coverage. In this example there are actually two different issues at hand -- the uncertainty around the plan and the current article focusing on small businesses. Yes, they are similar but I don't believe that one replaces the other. Personally, I like that Esther provides a quick snap shot into the issue and links to related topics so that we can delve deeper if we wish.