November 17, 1999
Williams Announce Details About Anacostia Northern Gateway Project
Gateway Project is Next Step to Rebuilding Anacostia Community
(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams joined by Cabinet members and members of the Anacostia community, paved the way for new commercial and retail development during a demolition ceremony today in Southeast. The Mayor announced details about the Anacostia Northern Gateway Demolition Project and released the preliminary findings from a Department of Housing and Community Development/Office of Planning-sponsored study entitled "East of the River Redevelopment Initiative Phase I: Preliminary Findings and Concepts."
"Our revitalization efforts are getting another boost today from the release of Phase I of this study," said Mayor Williams. "I'm pleased to accept the first phase of this study, which will help to guide us as we invest resources and direct our agencies. We will also be working with the community to ensure maximum input into the process."
The first phase of the study looked at the major commercial development sectors east of the river such as Minnesota and Benning Roads, Poplar Point, Anacostia Metro and Northern Gateway, and the Skyline Shopping Center. The next phases will look at housing infrastructure, small commercial shopping nodes, and specific strategies on how to address these areas.
The District Government intends to attract businesses to the Anacostia area by promoting the federal HUB-Zones initiative, which will provide contracting opportunities for small businesses located in historically under-utilized and neglected business zones. The Mayor cited $400 million in unmet demand for retail east of the river.
"For the past 20 years, these six buildings have slowly become abandoned and dilapidated, detracting from the natural beauty of this historic area," said Mayor Williams. "This demolition will pave the way for the first phase of the planned, sustained economic development of the Northern Anacostia Gateway."
Other speakers included: Council member Sharon Ambrose, Ward 6, Reverend Mary Wilson, Asst. Pastor Union Temple Baptist Church; Reverend Roy Settles, Pastor, Ambassador Baptist Church; Susan Sorg, Owner of Sorg and Associates; Thelma Jones, Fairlawn Civic Association; Al "Butch" Hopkins, CEO, Anacostia Economic Development Corporation; Ronald King, Chairman ANC 6C; Eric Price, Deputy Mayor for Planning an Economic Development; Othello Mahone, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, and Andrew Altman, Director of the Office of Planning.
Actual demolition activities occurred immediately following the ceremony.
