Given my proximity to the NW district its easy for me to walk, ride my bike, or take a streetcar to 23rd. Yet there are times when I'm running errands that I want to whop there and I'm in my car. The parking is generally horrible, I think its worse than the Pearl. It makes me think twice before going there to shop while driving. I'm sure businesses along 23rd love hearing that.
On the other hand, once you're off 23rd (and 21st) the surrounding neighborhood is residential, single family homes or small multi unit dwellings. It is very charming with a strong neighborhood feel. It differs from the Pearl because the Pearl is mixed use throughout while NW is clearly defined between shopping district and residential. I understand the NW District residents' desire to protect that because it is what makes the neighborhood.
I'm not trying to be wishy-washy, I just see both sides of this issue. I don't envy the Historic Landmarks Commission with this decision. Whatever they decide is sure to be controversial and leave someone upset.
Read the Daily Journal of Commerce article for more info.
