This afternoon, the DC Council Committee on Economic Development will decide whether to give Donatelli Development an entire large parcel at the corner of Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road for free, or whether to give them almost all of the parcel while maintaining a public right-of-way around the perimeter for a future road connection and a reasonable Community Benefits Agreement.

In the last few years, DC acquired this prominent parcel at the intersection often called “downtown Ward 7.” The DC government originally planned to construct municipal offices on the site, but then decided to offer the parcel for private development. The 2006 Comprehensive Plan recommends focusing development in Ward 7 at this corner to create a large-scale “regional center,” the only one east of the Anacostia River. As such, projects in this area need good urban design, good quality, and community benefits. They should also comply with the longer-term plans for the area, including the Minnesota Avenue Great Streets Plan, which calls for a future road connection adjacent to the railroad tracks, connecting the Metro station to the Benning Road viaduct.

This road connection would reduce conflicts between cars and pedestrians, bicycles, or a future streetcar at this heavily used corner, and make it possible for the intersection to become a great “neighborhood gateway.” ANC 7D passed a resolution calling for the project to move forward, but with the right-of-way reserved and a community benefits agreement. Unfortunately, Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander has decided to put the developer’s pressure ahead of the neighborhood’s longer-term interest, and won’t push for the road.

Kwame Brown, the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee and an at-large Councilmember with possible Mayoral aspirations, has the opportunity to block the land disposition agreement today and ask for a public right-of-way to be added. Reserving the land won’t stop development here. It’ll just make it better, and ensure that Ward 7 residents can enjoy a vibrant and safe local center once this and other projects come to the area.

Please contact Brown at (202) 724-8174 or Twitter him @KwameBrownDC.