The Capital Riverfront Business Improvement District is hoping to drum up support for a north-south high-speed rail line from Union Station to St. Elizabeths Hospital as part of a larger strategy to upgrade the waterfront area?s status from an emerging neighborhood to one that?s arrived.
Michael Stevens, executive director of the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District, raised the prospect at the group?s annual meeting Wednesday and said he believes it would make the area a stronger draw for residents and businesses. The idea has drawn some initial support from officials including Ward 6 D.C. Councilman Tommy Wells, but Stevens noted it is still very much a conceptual idea and will need more time, support and money to bring to fruition.
?It?s our heaviest lift, but I think it?s the most significant thing we can do,? Stevens said. ?We know it?s not going to be easy.?
Stevens said it is too early to say whether that north-south line would be part of the District?s planned streetcar service, run in collaboration with Metro, or some other option.
The light rail idea came from an urban design framework plan the BID unveiled at its annual meeting. The plan outlined five top initiatives to make the neighborhood more connected. In the BID?s words: ?Barriers exist between destinations that interrupt the sense of community and allow emerging vibrancy to dissipate. It will take an emphasis on achieving strategic regional connections and developing an undeniably walkable character for the Capitol Riverfront to optimize its potential and become, in effect, a new downtown by the water.?
Daniel J. Sernovitz covers commercial real estate.
the river dr dog ke$ha earl csco big bend national park leon russell
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.