Our street regained its vitality. Unfortunately, about the same time the epidemic of crack cocaine invaded our area too. Though it seems to be in remission now, no one was left untouched. The opening of the subway has brought new challenges to Columbia Heights as well as hope. A strong working and middle class is crucial to the health of a community, and Columbia Heights remains weak in that respect.
New people moving here can help.
But more demand means higher prices for housing, and the many organizations in the area, along with the city, need to focus on preventing displacement of those with modest financial resources. We hope that Columbia Heights will become better, not fundamentally different. In the first half of the 20th century it was an ethnically diverse area with a strong working and middle class. The retail center along 14th Street was second only to downtown. It could be that way again, only better.