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Small business owners in the Northern Virginia area where the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals could potentially relocate say traffic and transportation are their biggest concerns.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment and the owners of the site that could become the new home of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals shared bread with members of the small business community in Alexandria, Virginia, in the Delray area on Monday.
Pork Barrel Barbecue attendees had the opportunity to hear from those planning the project and ask questions about what this move means for their businesses.
“The number one thing we hear from business owners and residents is transportation and traffic issues,” said Bill Blackburn of Homegrown Restaurant Group. “That seems to be the biggest concern for people.”
Evan Regan Levine, executive vice president of JBG SMITH, said a study is underway to better understand the project’s transportation needs, with results expected in the coming weeks.
“We want to make sure that the transportation plans that come out of this, whether it’s Del Rey, Old Town, the Arena District or Crystal City, will ensure that your business continues to thrive. – Levin said.
Discussions also included bringing businesses to parts of the area away from the new arena location. Regan Levine said there is talk of running a shuttle bus that would take people to the venue if they parked in areas such as Crystal City or Old Town Alexandria.
“Showing up to the venue and actually going out for dinner or drinks or doing something before or after the game doesn’t have to be limited to the arena area,” Regan Levine said.
Monumental Sports venue manager Jordan Silverman said the group’s services also include small and medium-sized businesses.
“In addition to the 7-acre Potomac Yard, which is the entire footprint of the campus, there will also be opportunities within the Monumental campus,” Silverman said.
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In addition to the arena, the campus envisioned by Monumental Corp., owned by Ted Leonsis, would also include Virginia-area headquarters, a performing arts center and a Washington Wizards practice facility.
State and local governments must approve new developments before they can break ground.
Skylar Kelly, owner of Brij Coffee in Crystal City, asked if the move would actually happen.
“We wouldn’t be here today if we didn’t have a plan to come to Virginia,” Silverman said.
Discussions showed that Mr. Kelly’s move was serious.
“I believe. If they weren’t going to take it seriously, I don’t think they would have bothered to come out and waste their time meeting,” Kelly said.
She and other business owners shared the hope that the crowds that flock to the area will grow business.
Rock Harper owns Queen Mother’s Kitchen in Crystal City. He said he believes the team’s move to Northern Virginia will be a much-needed blow to an economy that has been battered since the pandemic.
“It’s impossible to have 20,000, 30,000 people coming down the street in front of you and not have an impact on your business. Otherwise, it might be time to do something else.” Harper said.
Monumental Sports said it plans to hold more community talks in the coming weeks.
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