ANC 3F Shows Van Ness Possibilities At Murch Fall Fair

A Murch Fall Fair dispatch from Frances Wu and Judith Sullivan of ANC 3F’s Van Ness/Forest Hills Vision Committee:

At ANC 3F’s table at the Murch Fall Fair, chairman Adam Tope.

The weather was sunny and cool as folks from the neighborhood came out to enjoy last weekend’s annual Fall Fair at Murch Elementary, which had something to please everyone – including rides, a small flea market, crafts tables, a cake walk, a dunk tank, Halloween costumes, and the ever-popular book exchange.

Among the many tables scattered across the quad was ANC 3F’s, which solicited volunteers for the planting of daffodils on November 16 (9a-1p; meet at the spheres next to Starbucks by the Van Ness Metro!).

Drawing much attention from fair-goers were the renderings of the Van Ness/Forest Hills stretch of Connecticut Avenue done by Street Sense – which depict possibilities the retail future for this neighborhood can hold.

The first response was amazingly the same: That stretch of Connecticut Avenue is “Blah” – nothing of interest, never go there to eat or shop. When we showed the renderings the response was again the same: “Wow, I really like it.” When we asked if they would walk from their home to go to shops and cafes they said they would certainly be willing. The interest was in moderate-priced family restaurants, no fast food or carry-out. People really liked the sidewalk tables and chairs, casual dining with good food.

You can view Street Sense’s renderings here, and we’d like you to take our survey and tell us: What kind of retail you’d like to see in the neighborhood?