Councilmember Barry has introduced legislation to acquire the Anacostia Square block via eminent domain. Called "Downtown Anacostia and Pennsylvania Avenue Eminent Domain Authorization Act of 2008", the bill hopes to jumpstart development where it has been languishing for far too long.
true.
right on. please continue.
exactly.
you make an interesting point. do go on.
ok. getting back to the facts. i like it.
nothing to argue with here.
which is why we are uber-eager to get it started.
My first instinct was to say something along the lines of "yes, but I'm not sure that eminent domain is the right way to go on this".
...but then I was sitting here and I couldn't think of any good reasons that I felt that way, and kept going back to how great it would be for something to actually happen on this block. fortunately this bill moves the whole development idea out of the sugerplum dreams phase and into something a little closer to reality.
and even if the eminent domain "option" isn't how it all happens in the end, it certainly puts pressure on some of the property owners to shape up or sell off.
For more, check out these articles:
WJLA
The Examiner
graphic by DG-rad
Posts
7 comments:
I agree. I had the same reservations about eminent domain but I think it long past time for owners to either "do their business" or get off the pot. These properties have been allowed to languish way to long! Not just empty properties but properties where the owner for whatever reason will not or can not invest in their property upkeep.
If the District wants to help, tell them to develop their site next to the Gateway Building instead of taking someone else's land.
you make a good point. however, I think that the whole 11th Street Bridges project has to be designed before the DDOT building can be built.
they are adjacent and the bridge project will involve grade changes, as well as the elimination of a ramp that currently crosses next to and above where the new building will be.
David, you do a GREAT job...maybe you should switch professions and become a news reporter! Keep up the good work!
He has my vote...I'm loving your board, Keeping Us Updated on all the changes in Anacostia.
Why is this even up for debate? The owners are obviously self-serving and creating eyesores in the most critical areas of Anacostia's development. The residents have suffered long enough.
What sort of pricing is involved?
http://wwwtripwithinthebeltway.blogspot.com/2008/10/ectc-vc-marion-barry-for-private-use.html
Post a Comment