1 of 6

An opportunity for community-controlled land in Southwest, D.C.

Acquiring the lots at 4th & M Street SW

2 of 6

The VISION vs. the REALITY in Southwest

VISION

The SW Neighborhood Plan (2015) promised equitable development:

“Southwest will remain an exemplary model of equity and inclusion - a welcoming and engaged community that celebrates and retains a mix of races, ages and income levels and enhances well-being for all amidst neighborhood growth and change.

​

Southwest’s most defining characteristic is its people. Residents overwhelmingly expressed their desire to maintain the economic and racial diversity that makes the community so strong and vibrant.”

REALITY

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

6,865 total units - only 5% affordable

​

*Most number of units, second least of “affordable”

3 of 6

Current proposal for 4th & M

Plan:

  • Two buildings, totaling 598 units, 8% affordable;
  • East building will feature a community center with a 30-year free lease.

Issues:

  • Loss of unique community gathering space;
  • More of the same expensive, small, rental housing;
  • Questionable community benefit.

4 of 6

Benefits of current economic activity at 4th & M

  • Farmer’s Market & Friday Market: 50+ markets in 2022, 45+ vendors
    • Direct revenue to DC: sales tax, food handling licenses, permits
    • Indirect economic benefits abound:
      • Local jobs & economic growth - DC entrepreneurs, makers, musicians, artists
      • Attracts visitors & new residents due to highly-visible location
      • Add-on spending at neighboring restaurants & other businesses
      • Public health benefits - access to fresh, healthy, locally-grown food
    • Thousands of lbs of produce donated & distributed to SW residents in need (W6MA)
  • Other outdoor events: Book sales, DC State Fair
  • Site-specific factors: visibility, stage & seating, access via Metro, bike, foot

5 of 6

Financial justification

Current usage at 4th & M, and the possibility of community ownership of land, deserves investment.

The DC government has spent tens of millions of dollars on similar projects before:

  • $50 million to build 3-4 parks in the "NoMa" neighborhood;
  • $14 million to revamp the Eastern Market metro space;
  • $2.1 million bid for a dog park in Columbia Heights.

The CFO recently stated there would be an additional $490 million in revenue collected from this past year.

The D.C. government is planning on using eminent domain to bring a much needed grocery store to Ward 7.

6 of 6

Our ask:

  1. Preserve and enhance the west parcel for the community.
    1. Purchase parcels then transfer ownership to Douglass CLT to allow community ownership, stewardship, and the possibility of permanently affordable housing and retail;
    2. Purchase parcels, hold as government property, and engage community on its future;
    3. Use whatever power/leverage DC government has to bring developer to the table to have conversation about future development of site.