Eminent Domain Is Back in the DC Council’s New DC United Stadium Plan
“D.C. City Administrator Allen Lew had kept eminent domain on the table this year as the city evaluated its options for acquiring the land parcels needed to build a new D.C. United stadium at Buzzard Point. It looked like that might no longer be necessary, however, after he negotiated a deal with Akridge, Pepco and other parties to bring those parcels together through a series of land swaps. Now, it looks like the D.C. Council is prepared to move forward with a plan that put eminent domain back in play.
Mayor-Elect Muriel Bowser, along with other members of the D.C. Council, have gone on the record in opposition to the part of the swap deal that would see the city trade away Reeves Center (you know, that giant building at corner of 14th Street and U Street with Marion Barry’s name on it). She expressed the desire to seal a new deal before she takes office as mayor on Jan. 2 – even if Akridge isn’t on board – and new legislation made it through a committee vote on Tuesday that could make that goal achievable.”
Warmoth, Brian. In the Capital 26 November 2014.