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wrt the RFK lot issue, I have argued for many years (since 2003, when I was on the board of H St. Main Street), that it was in the Greater neighborhood's best interest to create a master plan for the RFK site that re-engages the site, converts some to housing, such as along Benning Road, etc.

Some people say, rightly , that since the site abuts the Anacostia, it's worth not developing all of it. Others say it is NPS land and the agreement with NPS is that the site can only be used for "recreational" purposes and I've said that can be changed.

That's true, it can be changed, but DC would have to make a payment to NPS of some sort, not unlike the cost of extinguishing an easement, to be able to convert the use.

Still, this argument is another instance of my general point that we need to do a master planning initiative for this area generally.

- http://urbanplacesandspaces.blogspot.com/2012/03/wanted-comprehensive-plan-for-anacostia.html

It would be possible to put up temporary structures in the interim. Portland for the longest time (and maybe they still do) stored their streetcars under a freeway, basically outside. Although I presume they have an indoor maintenance facility as well.

To be honest, while I don't agree with the general anti-streetcar arguments, I do see an issue with the use of the greenyard in terms of the school's viewshed.

I do think it's crazy that the anti-people denigrate the job development and training aspects, especially wrt Phelps' vocational orientation.

But that's just another element of the general W5 wackiness.

by Richard Layman on Jun 29, 2012 11:47 am • link • report