Preserving Poplar Point
20 06 2008
Most of the arguments you hear about Poplar Point in Anacostia revolve around whether to build a new MLS stadium on the site, but the Our Park Coalition is calling for no development at all. The Coalition wants to stop the $2.5 billion, 40-acre mixed-use project by Clark Realty and transform the 110 government owned acres along the Anacostia River into an urban public park.
The WBJ is reporting how difficult a task the environmentalists face in part because Congress established the land transfer with the expressed purpose of increasing the District’s tax base and shoring up its finances. Despite Clark being required to have 70 of the 110 acres developed as public park land, the Our Park Coalition still plans to kick off their efforts to save the entire property as one continuous public park. [Photo: WBJ]
But this development increases the number of people who can actually enjoy the park on a daily basis. It increases the services for people who want to visit, such as cafes, restaurants, etc. Not to mention all the great things that will come with the National Hall of the Environment.
We already have what these people want, it’s called Rock Creek Park…
It is disappointing that this group and similar ones in blighted areas around the country cannot for one second look objectively at an urban renewal proposal and weigh its benefits and flaws, without a knee-jerk response. Of course, mistakes in redevelopment have been made in the past, but open park land in the middle of a blighted community does not serve the community it is based in and is a recipe for further blight.
I agree with both of you. The simple fact that this development will create a livable bridge from Anacostia to the waterfront has me sold.
Not only does evryone have rock creek park, but we also have the fort parks in SE (huge) and the huge anacostia park system just upriver. It would be a cryin shame if poplar point weren’t developed. Laughable actually.
I don’t think this group stands much of a chance. They’ll make some noise and may garner a little attention, but the overwhelming consensus seems to be in support of development. Personally I’d like to see the area developed with some land set aside as a public park. As it is now, the entire Anacostia is neglected and shameful. That won’t change until you bring people (through development) to its edge.
This is so incredibly frustrating. I know that there is always those out there looking to oppose something, but opposing good smart development? Did they look at Clark’s plan? The wetlands will be rehabilitated and trails incorporated so that the area can be used as the educational resource it should be.
To attack a proposal that calls for such a high level of environmental responsibility and progressiveness seems like the environmentalist shooting themselves in the foot. Or should we continue to encourage development to move further and further into the exurbs?
If this group wants to create a park they can raise money and make Clark an offer they can’t refuse. Of course they won’t be able to do this and instead expect everyone else to pay the price through forfeiting future tax revenue and continued blight.
as a resident of Barry Farms [neighborhood, not housing project], I agree…bring development to Anacostia/Poplar Point…see that sign day in and day out..depresses me.
Its downright disheartening.
It would be different if it was one isolated group, but it seems that almost every project in DC faces such obstacles.
People seem to use the idea of the Nation’s capital as a crutch than as a catalyst.
For instance, I saw when plans were announced to redevelop the old Convention Center site, that some people brought up the idea of turning the whole site into a park on other blogs.
Its just so disheartening that a good many people want to put limitations on what DC should strive to be as a city.