The Anacostia Waterfront Initiative continues to gather

The Anacostia Waterfront Initiative continues to gather momentum for the redevelopment of miles of neglected land along the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. The Initiative, a partnership between the District of Columbia and 19 federal and local agencies, has synthesized the results of an extensive community participation process in a set of draft framework recommendations. Five broad goals have emerged: 1) Cleaning the polluted river and restoring wetlands; 2) Rethinking the transportation infrastructure that blocks access to the river; 3) Creating a system of interconnected parks joined by a riverwalk; 4) Preserving the unique character of segments of the riverfront and introducing civic gathering places and institutions; and 5) Building strong neighborhoods and promoting sustainable economic development. Several redevelopment projects are already underway. The Navy has invested over $200 million in restoring the Washington Navy Yard, and street improvements and new office development has brought M Street SE back to life. The Arthur Capper and Carrollsburg Hope VI project will replace run-down public housing with 1,500 units in a new urban plan.