Housing Development Plan for DC Extended Six Years Amid Market Challenges
April 30, 2025 | Committee on Business and Economic Development, Committees, Legislative, District of Columbia
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The Committee on Business and Economic Development of the District of Columbia convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss significant developments in local projects and legislative proposals. Chaired by Kenyan McDuffie, the meeting focused on the extension of a development project and the introduction of a new bill concerning streetery endorsements.
The first agenda item addressed the ongoing development project, which is currently undergoing a revision of its term sheet. The committee learned that the revised plan is expected to be submitted by September 2025. The discussion highlighted the differences between this project and another recently reviewed project, particularly regarding the absence of an amended term sheet for the current development. The committee was informed that the original developer, Adrian Washington, had closed his business, leading to the assignment of the project to Dante's Partners, which was not selected by the district but rather approved through Washington's assignment.
Key points discussed included the substantial due diligence previously conducted by Neighborhood Development, which had invested over half a million dollars in site assessments. Dante's Partners will build upon this groundwork, although they may need to adapt the project to current market conditions. The committee also noted that the extension request for the project is for six years, significantly longer than the typical two-year extensions, due to challenges in securing development financing.
The conversation shifted to community priorities, with assurances that the new development partner would adhere to existing laws regarding affordability and community benefits. The committee emphasized the importance of maximizing participation from Certified Business Enterprises (CBE) and maintaining high-quality architectural standards. A CBE subcontracting plan is expected to be developed as the project progresses.
The second part of the meeting introduced Bill 20-6147, the Street Reprogram and Protest Process Amendment Act of 2025. This proposed legislation aims to allow locations under the jurisdiction of the Washington Convention and Sports Authority to register for streetery endorsements, which would permit the sale and consumption of alcohol in designated outdoor spaces. The bill includes a public comment period of 45 days for applications related to these endorsements.
Peter Wood, an advisory neighborhood commissioner, provided testimony in support of the bill, highlighting its potential benefits for local businesses and community engagement.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to adapt development projects to current market realities while ensuring community needs and legal requirements are met. The committee plans to follow up on the revised term sheet and the progress of the streetery bill as it moves forward.
The first agenda item addressed the ongoing development project, which is currently undergoing a revision of its term sheet. The committee learned that the revised plan is expected to be submitted by September 2025. The discussion highlighted the differences between this project and another recently reviewed project, particularly regarding the absence of an amended term sheet for the current development. The committee was informed that the original developer, Adrian Washington, had closed his business, leading to the assignment of the project to Dante's Partners, which was not selected by the district but rather approved through Washington's assignment.
Key points discussed included the substantial due diligence previously conducted by Neighborhood Development, which had invested over half a million dollars in site assessments. Dante's Partners will build upon this groundwork, although they may need to adapt the project to current market conditions. The committee also noted that the extension request for the project is for six years, significantly longer than the typical two-year extensions, due to challenges in securing development financing.
The conversation shifted to community priorities, with assurances that the new development partner would adhere to existing laws regarding affordability and community benefits. The committee emphasized the importance of maximizing participation from Certified Business Enterprises (CBE) and maintaining high-quality architectural standards. A CBE subcontracting plan is expected to be developed as the project progresses.
The second part of the meeting introduced Bill 20-6147, the Street Reprogram and Protest Process Amendment Act of 2025. This proposed legislation aims to allow locations under the jurisdiction of the Washington Convention and Sports Authority to register for streetery endorsements, which would permit the sale and consumption of alcohol in designated outdoor spaces. The bill includes a public comment period of 45 days for applications related to these endorsements.
Peter Wood, an advisory neighborhood commissioner, provided testimony in support of the bill, highlighting its potential benefits for local businesses and community engagement.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to adapt development projects to current market realities while ensuring community needs and legal requirements are met. The committee plans to follow up on the revised term sheet and the progress of the streetery bill as it moves forward.
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