Why Are Businesses Leaving Cleveland Park?

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA)--The consignment shop has closed its doors. Same for Starbucks and Supercuts says it will soon leave Cleveland Park, one of the District's most affluent neighborhoods.

Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh says the exodus of small businesses with more threatening to leave is a problem.

The building that housed a McDonald's five years ago remains empty. Same for the property where Blockbusters and Macgruders were once located. Even the 7-Eleven at Connecticut and Porter is planning on closing.

Everyone admits the economy and high rents are to blame; they also say the DC Government could do more to help. Cheh has included budget money for a Business Improvement District, street and sidewalk improvements.

There is no answer for the parking problems.

Others say the Cleveland Park Citizens Association has been a hindrance to attracting new businesses.

Jeff Davis heads a group called AWARE. He says a new Giant food store at Wisconsin and Newark is now close to becoming a reality because his group lobbied for and won zoning approval despite opposition from the current CPCA leadership.

Davis says the CPCA isn't business friendly, a position disputed by seven year CPCA President George Idelson. He says the group has always supported a new Giant, just not one that's five stories high.

Idelson says many businesses along Connecticut Avenue are thriving. He labeled the reports of the commercial corridors demise as "urban myths".

New elections for the CPCA are now set for September. Idelson tells 9NEWS NOW he will not seek re-election.