Bates Area Civic Association

WASHINGTON – Today, in addition to passing a revised budget that fairly addressed the city’s revenue gap, the Council of the District of Columbia authorized the disposition of New Communities Northwest One and approved the Hotel Development and Funding Agreement for the New Convention Center Hotel legislation.  The Shaw, Mt. Vernon Triangle and NOMA neighborhoods have been waiting for these projects to begin, which will not only help revitalize the community but will help create new jobs in a tough economy.  [You can add Eckington, Bates/Truxton Circle and Bloomingdale to the list of neighborhoods waiting for these projects to begin.]

“In recognition of the critical need for these projects to move forward, the Committee on Economic Development worked efficiently to review the legislation and gather feedback from the public,” said At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development.  “It’s essential that the District benefits from these projects and that they’re in the public’s best interest.”

The committee held a joint public roundtable in early July with the Committee on Public Works and the Environment, chaired by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, to review the Northwest One legislation.  The following public benefits will accompany the Northwest One project:

• 59 units that are affordable to households at or below 30% of AMI and 34 units that are affordable to households at or below 60% of AMI; (includes replacement units for Temple Courts residents)


• 51% or more of new jobs created will go to District residents;


• No less than 40% of total development costs go to Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) contractors; and


• 20% CBE equity and development participation.

The Convention Center Hotel is a cornerstone project that can help revitalize the surrounding Shaw neighborhood, and be a catalyst for local small business growth.  In addition, the hotel can position the District as a world-class convention destination.  Today’s amendments authorized the Hotel Development and Funding Agreement and also helped ensure District residents can embark on a path to become high paid journeymen on construction projects.  The job training amendment, introduced by At-Large Councilmember Michael Brown will help build the District’s job training capacity.

For more information or to interview Councilmember Brown please contact Press Secretary Michael Price at 202-445-4510 or mprice@dccouncil.us.