Tommy Wells to Testify Before House Subcommittee on Government Operations
April 24, 2013
Tommy Wells to Testify Before House Subcommittee on Government Operations(Washington, DC) - On Thursday, April 25th, Councilmember Tommy Wells will testify before the House Subcommittee on Government Operations, chaired by Congressman John Mica, related to current and future uses of the vacant federal warehouse located at 49 L Street, SE. The committee will review the federal General Services Administration's (GSA) planned use, or disposal, of the empty building.
Within the context of the hearing, the committee has asked Councilmember Wells to testify about restoring vacant federal properties to benefit District neighborhoods and the city's economy. More specifically, they have asked him to discuss a community-led proposal by Nathan Alberg and Rachel Reilly Carroll to develop what's referred to as the Half Street Market concept.
Wells stated, "Within the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, we are building the equivalent of a small city - with tens of thousands of residents. Great cities and great neighborhoods have distinctive places and community spaces. You could ask for no better example of that than Yards Park on the riverfront just a few blocks away. Among other great spaces are public markets that activate a streetscape and the blocks around it, and serve a neighborhood with fresh food and places to gather as a community." He added, "The Half Street Market proposal seeks to create a vibrant public market alongside workforce development and education program. I believe this initiative warrants support - whether as proposed or adapted to market conditions that preserve the central elements of the community's vision."
The hearing will be held on site at 49 L Street, SE on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 9:30 am and is open to the public.
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