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RECORDING 1: Introduction Major Roads
As we begin the Big Picture Review, let's take a look at how we get around the Ward.
Local residents and commuters use approximately 11 major roads or thoroughfares on a daily
basis. These roads, not only get us from our homes to our destinations, but they also serve
as important corridors providing much needed retail, government, cultural and civic services
for the communities they serve. These major corridors can define a given neighborhood
and how well it functions.
Metro Stations
Also critical to how the Ward functions on a daily basis are the five metro stations
providing transit services for those who live or work in the Ward. Ranging from the Stadium
Armory station to the west, or the Capitol Heights Metro located to the east, just across
the District line, these metro stations are important to the future economic development
opportunities for Ward 7.
Parks, Open Space and Trails
The system of park land and trails also serves as a valuable asset to the Ward 7 community.
Specifically, the Marvin Gaye park and trail system connects Kenilworth, through Deanwood,
to the Capitol Heights Metro station.
For the Big Picture Review, we have divided the Ward into three different zones.
· Zone 1 to the south,
· Zone 2 to the east,
· and Zone 3 to the north and west.
Today's presentation will highlight some, not all, of the recent and current accomplishments.
RECORDING 2: ZONE 1
SKYLAND
For many years, the District and the community have been working towards a redeveloped Skyland
Town Center. The project will consist of:
· approximately 475 residential units,
· 340,000 square feet of retail space,
· including one of the Ward's two Wal-Mart stores.
Groundbreaking is projected for spring 2014.
Francis Gregory Library
Just up the road on Alabama Avenue is the Francis Gregory Library, a brand new facility
completed last June.
Hillcrest Recreation Center
We have also seen recent investments to improve the Hillcrest Recreation Center. Coming soon
will be an additional 500,000 dollars for a new playground.
RECORDING 3: Zone 2
Capital Gateway Marketplace
In our next region of the Ward, the developer A&R, and the Housing Authority are finalizing
details for Capital Gateway Marketplace, which will provide residents with employment and
much needed retail services at the Ward's second Wal-Mart location. Strategically located
on the border and adjacent to the Capitol Heights Metro, this project will make the
District competitive with Maryland for retail spending.
Eden Place
At Eden Place on Eastern Avenue, the District has worked with developers to provide 63 units
of affordable housing for residents of mixed incomes.
Marvin Gaye Park Recreation Center
Mayor Gray has also budgeted 12 million dollars to renovate the Marvin Gaye Recreation Center,
one of the final pieces to the Marvin Gaye Park and Trail System.
RECORDING 4: The Washington Nationals Baseball Academy and Fort Dupont Ice Rink
In the central area of the Ward are two unique projects improving the quality of life for
many of our young residents.
The Washington Nationals' Youth Baseball Academy, one of only two facilities of its kind in
the entire country, will open in the fall of 2013 providing quality programs and enrichment
for the District's youth.
Up the hill from the Baseball Academy, an additional 20 million dollars has been budgeted
to replace the Fort Dupont Ice Arena with a new two-rink facility.
RECORDING 5: Zone 3
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and TIGER Grant
In our third region of the ward, DDOT is spending 15 million dollars to complete the last segment
of the Anacostia Riverwalk. This connection will link the Bladensburg Waterfront to Benning
Road, as it passes through Kenilworth, Eastland Gardens, Mayfair, and Parkside.
Parkside Pedestrian Bridge
With an investment of 16 million dollars, DDOT's new Parkside Pedestrian Bridge will
create a more direct and safe connection for Mayfair and Parkside residents to Downtown
Ward 7. A completion date is slated for 2015.
Metro Townes and Victory Square
Metro Townes will provide 83 units of affordable homeownership and 42 low-income rental units.
Construction and delivery is currently underway.
Victory Square, which was recently completed, is a 98 unit project for low and moderate
income seniors.
RECORDING 6:
There are also several other important initiatives and projects completed or underway in Parkside.
Educare
Located next to Neval Thomas Elementary School, Educare is an early childhood educational
facility and community center built to serve the children and families of Ward 7.
Unity Health Care
In 2012, construction began on Unity-Parkside Health Care, a 26 million dollar facility
providing improved health care opportunities for residents.
DCPNI
In December 2012, DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative received a major 25 million dollar
grant from the Department of Education. Over the next five years, DCPNI will work to improve
educational outcomes for students by providing wraparound services and support to families.
DOES
At the Minnesota Avenue Metro Station are the headquarters of the Department of Employment
Services. Playing a vital role in job training, workforce development and employment related
services for the entire District, the agency's presence plays an important role in Downtown
Ward 7.
Park 7 Development Project
Park 7, a joint venture between Donatelli and Blue Skye, is a mixed-use and transit
oriented project. Currently under construction, the project will offer 376 residential apartment
units and 22,000 square-feet of retail.
RECORDING 7: New Communities Initiative -- 4427 Hayes and 4800 NHB
As part of the New Communities Initiative for Lincoln Heights and Richardson Dwellings,
two off-site housing projects are complete.
The first was 4427 Hayes Street, a renovation project totaling 26 units with 9 replacement
units.
With the official ribbon cutting ceremonies just last week, the Nannie Helen is a new
construction project consisting of 70 affordable units and over 7,000 square feet of retail,
fitness and other community space.
6th District Headquarters
A few blocks away in the same neighborhood, the 6th District Police Headquarters will
relocate to the former Merritt Middle School.
RECORDING 8: Hill East
As a result of new ward boundaries, Hill East is now a Ward 7 project. With the challenge
of relocating existing government and institutional uses on the site, DMPED issued a solicitation
for two of the available parcels in October 2012. The city received one proposal for 353
units of residential development.
Streetcar
With the H Street-Benning line stretching from Union Station to Benning Road and terminating
at Minnesota Avenue, streetcar will improve transit options for residents, and will make
Downtown Ward 7 a much stronger economic hub.
Great Streets
The Ward is fortunate to have three Great Street Corridors.
· Nannie Helen Burroughs has benefitted from 12.8 million dollars in street-scape improvements.
· Pennsylvania Avenue has seen 33.5 million dollars in street-scape funding.
· And Minnesota Avenue is scheduled for 14 million dollars in future improvement projects.
In addition, over two-hundred thousand dollars in Great Streets funding has been granted
to Ward 7 businesses along Pennsylvania and Nannie Helen Burroughs.
Recording 9: School Construction
Also pivotal to the success of the Ward, is improving the physical plant of our schools.
Over the next 6 years, Mayor Gray has budgeted 164 million dollars for school construction
for the following elementary schools:
1. Aiton
2. Houston
3. Plummer
4. River Terrace
5. Kimball
6. CW Harris
7. Smothers
8. Burrville
9. Charles Drew
10. Beers
11. Nalle
12. Neval Thomas
DHCD Affordable Housing Funding
In addition to school construction dollars, there are also important affordable housing
projects receiving funding from DHCD. The agency is providing over 24 milllion dollars
in local and federal funds to 8 different projects in the Ward.
Closing Statement
With all these investments, Ward 7 is creating a strong platform for economic development.
As we conclude the Big Picture Review, we ask you to think about ways you can provide
input on what else is required to improve Ward 7 in the future?