Many neighborhoods in the District tend to go through a rather predictable routine. They start as fringe areas, slowly attract residents and business owners looking for good deals on housing and commercial properties, see an influx of newcomers as word spreads, and soon become the city’s next hot destination. And throughout the process the usual conflicts tend to emerge — between old and new residents, between local and national businesses. Yesterday the rather tranquil Barracks Row area on Capitol Hill became the next scene for such conflicts.

The Washington Business Journal reported yesterday that one investment firm has been eying properties along the Eighth Street SE corridor for national chains such as The Gap, J. Crew, Ann Taylor and American Apparel — and pushing out Alvear Studio Design & Imports, a local art, furniture and design store. That news did not sit will with Julie Olson, the local ANC commissioner. She fired off a letter that was posted on a neighborhood listserv, writing:

Speaking as an ANC Commissioner for the west side of 8th street, and as the current Chair of ANC 6B, and as a nearby resident to Barracks Row for over 13 years, I am astounded that anyone would want to make our lovely little neighborhood into a souless Georgetown with a Gap or J. Crew. This is EXACTLY what we DON’T want in this neighborhood…We need to keep the original and unique quality of our beloved Main Street, with unique shopping experiences, and not put in big box retailers, and I can guarantee you will find the neighborhood up in arms if that happens.