Mount Pleasant DC Forum

Harry · Joined: 22 Jan 2010 Posts: 119

So just an idea. Since the dining on MTP street leaves something to be desired and because the park is under utilized most of the time. What about the ANC and MTP Mainstreet getting together and asking a couple of food trucks to pull up to the park every Thursday night. Maybe 2 different trucks each Thursday between 5-8pm and perhaps the Mainstreet group could provide some extra tables and chairs? At one point I think there was a plan to festoon light the park as well? It would be a great neighborhood gathering and maybe a permit could even be obtained to allow beer and wine to be consumed during those hours. (not as if it's booze free now anyway). I think it would have the added benefit of showcasing the need for better food in MTP and that there are many people who given the opportunity would patronize a solid restaurant. But really I just think it would fill a void and be a lot of fun.

inmp · Joined: 11 Sep 2008 Posts: 28

Love love love this idea .... Very Happy

. Good thinking

micmac · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 355

Right now i think food trucks only operate around lunch. At least downtown.

jmw · Joined: 01 Mar 2011 Posts: 10

inmp · Joined: 11 Sep 2008 Posts: 28

Your attitude is dismissive and typical.....this idea has merit ...may need reworking ?.. competition is not always a negative.... Rolling Eyes

kelly5612 · Joined: 17 Jun 2008 Posts: 260

Harry · Joined: 22 Jan 2010 Posts: 119

I know food trucks are typically lunch oriented but I don't think they are banned from serving dinner. Even if we ask one truck a week to make it worth that trucks time.
A lot of food trucks end up opening brick and mortar shops when they are successful and maybe this will encourage people to think about mount pleasant street and just get it back on the food scenes radar.
I get Adams Express on occasion, but lets be real. 11th Street, Barracks Row. Whole restaurant rows have popped up in the time that we have added 1 coffee shop. And the only organic food on MTP shows up with the farmers market.
But really I just thought it would be fun to sit in the park, throw up some lights, get a little music going, crack some beers and have a bbq truck pull up. I'm not sure why a good time is always such a hard sell in this neighborhood.

jmw · Joined: 01 Mar 2011 Posts: 10

I didn't mean to sound dismissive, but the idea that Mt. Pleasant Main Street would regularly help to bring in food trucks to compete with their own businesses that are actually paying rent in the neighborhood seems far fetched.

I love food trucks and I think competition is usually good. But, few restaurants want to compete with food trucks for evening service and would probably prefer to open up shop in a location without competition that has far lower overheads.

ross · Joined: 19 Apr 2010 Posts: 23

I love this idea.

I think it would be great if the food trucks made regular stops around neighborhoods. The park is a great location for it.

Jennrgolden · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 264 Location: Newton St

LOOVE this idea!!!!!!!

mha · Joined: 07 Jun 2005 Posts: 171

Jennrgolden · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 264 Location: Newton St

dcdude · Joined: 05 May 2008 Posts: 12

This seems doable, and a good way to increase foot traffic along MtP Street, which would be good for local businesses. I love the idea of festoon lights, which would add incredible ambiance to the space. Also love the idea of live music. Maybe as a compromise, we should forgo the idea of serving liquor, which would: (1) allay any concerns about public drunkedness; (2) increase the chances that residents would then consider going to one of our local bars and restaurants for a drink afterwards; and (3) increase the chances that something like this would actually get approved. We would need to provide a few extra trashcans to deal with the extra trash, but on the whole, I think this is a wonderful idea. Any idea on where to start to get the ball rolling?

Jennrgolden · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 264 Location: Newton St

jack · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 4400 Location: 19th & Lamont

This discussion brings to mind a resolution I introduced at the ANC a couple of years ago. Nothing came of it, unfortunately. -- Jack

Resolved, that ANC1D advises the Office of Planning to support enhancements to the parks adjoining Mount Pleasant Street to promote social activities in those parks, and so encourage residents to make Mount Pleasant Street an area for social interaction, not just a passageway.

Why: Villages benefit from town plazas where residents can meet their neighbors and engage in social activities, thus enhancing neighborliness and the sense of community. Mount Pleasant Street, and the small parks adjoining the Street, lack any such town-center feel, as the street and sidewalks are designed only for people passing through, not staying in place.

Even Lamont Park lacks any conveniences for social activities, offering only a few somewhat uncomfortable places to sit. There are no tables, no place for people to play board games or cards, no place even to enjoy a snack from Don Juan's or Heller's.

The people who sit on the benches in fact create an undesirable atmosphere, as they seem to be merely loitering and perhaps appearing to eye passers-by. Compare the friendly atmosphere on Dupont Circle, where tables encourage chess matches, drawing spectators, creating groups of people who are clearly engaged in a sociable activity, in a relaxed and unthreatening atmosphere.

Passed by 4 to 0 vote at the legally noticed, public meeting of ANC1D on December 15, 2009. Voting “yes”: Commissioners Edwards, Tunda, Lepanto, McKay.