April 11, 2007
The Washington Post
Paul Schwartzman

Community Groups Comment as Officials Weigh Development Panel's Future

A coalition of 36 community groups yesterday called on Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) and the D.C. Council to ensure that development along the Anacostia River includes affordable housing and jobs for city residents.

The coalition, led by DC Appleseed, a not-for-profit group that focuses on issues such as education and the environment, sent a letter to the mayor and council as they consider dismantling the Anacostia Waterfront Corp., which oversees development of publicly controlled land.

The District created the corporation in 2004, with a mandate to oversee the revitalization of communities; preserve and create affordable housing; and clean up the river.

"Whatever the D.C. Council ultimately decides to do with respect to the structure of the AWC, we believe its environmental and community development objectives must remain intact to ensure that its mission is carried out," the coalition wrote.

Council members have criticized the corporation and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, an advocacy group, for moving too slowly on development projects.

Council member Kwame Brown (D-At Large), chairman of the Economic Development Committee, which is reviewing the corporation, promised that the mission would be maintained.

But he said its structure would change to eliminate duplication with other government agencies.

"We're seeking to streamline how we're spending our money," Brown said.

The committee, he said, expects to present legislation on the corporation to the full council by the beginning of June.