May 8, 2006 Norton Expects Significant Changes in St. E's Draft Plans Following Public Response

Norton Expects Significant Changes in St. E’s Draft Plans Following Public Response
May 8, 2006

Washington, DC-- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that the General Services Administration (GSA) draft master plans for the development of the west campus of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, required by the subcommittee where she serves as ranking member, and where the new Coast Guard headquarters is expected to be located, is available for public study and response. Norton, who is ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, said that GSA is making available an overview of seven possible alternatives for construction on the federal land for response from residents, city officials, planners and other stakeholders. GSA’s seven alternatives cover a range from 1.5 million square feet to 4.5 million square feet (not including parking) and from 4,000 and 14,000 employees. The alternatives indicate the possibility of housing large buildings concentrated together as well as smaller buildings spread out in the campus. All of the proposals include access from I-295 along Firth Sterling Avenue and at least three access points. Most of the plans maintain public access to “The Point,” a view of the city that the Congresswoman and many residents want preserved for the public. Norton said that she expected that security would be the same as in other federal buildings post 9/11. None of the seven is likely to be the final plan. Alternatives will come as a result of resident, city and federal feedback.

Norton said, “I was impressed by the strong attendance and deep knowledge Ward 8 residents demonstrated at my recent town meeting introducing the project. My major local interest in this project is the same as theirs—finally getting commercial development along Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue. Fortunately, my seniority and position as subcommittee ranking member ensure continuous, close oversight.”

Almost 300 people attended the Ward 8 Town Hall Meeting Norton held last month, giving the community the opportunity to ask questions and hear presentations by the full set of federal and District officials who have been or will be involved in the St. E’s development. Norton scheduled the special Town Hall Meeting because the Coast Guard construction will mark the first time the federal government has brought development to the east side of the Anacostia River, and with it, the neighborhood development potential that always has followed federal construction in Northwest. She will continue to use her ranking member position to work closely with GSA and D.C. officials and residents to ensure that the federal development has "the same productive effects for Anacostia that characterize the effects on local communities elsewhere, and to assure that the entire process is transparent, open and inclusive."