WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Dozens of members of Ward 7 and the neighborhoods surrounding the former RFK Stadium in D.C. asked questions and gave their input on the potential of the new NFL stadium at a Thursday night meeting.
The meeting, held at Eastern High School in Northeast, was packed with District residents.
Mayor Muriel Bowser shared an optimistic vision for the 170-plus acres of land, much of which has sat vacant for years. At the heart of the land still sits the shell of a stadium that was home to championship D.C. football.
“Because in 177 acres, we can indeed do it all,” Bowser told the audience.
Bowser provided minimal details of how a world-class stadium might be financed, though she was asked if she would commit to not offering a subsidy to which she said she would not.
However, she shared how a transformation of D.C.’s Ward 7 could center around a new Washington Commanders’ stadium, which would host other events as well.
“Until we have a modern stadium, we will not be able to host events that the world is used to including the World Cup, including the Super Bowl, and yes Beyonce and Taylor Swift,” Bowser said.
Right now, the RFK Stadium is being demolished. It’s a process that will take 22 months.
Whether a new stadium replaces is it uncertain. Regardless, Bowser said the city hopes to welcome a Sportsplex for youth and recreational sports, affordable housing and plenty of open space and parks.
Neighbors, with varying views on a stadium, mainly used Thursday’s community meeting to push the mayor to address their needs, including neighborhood parking enforcement during events, grocery stores, employment opportunities for the low-income and DC Vault asking for a commitment that they will not be displaced.
Councilmember Wendell Felder, who represents Ward 7, said the opportunity is once-in-a-lifetime.
“With thoughtful planning, we can bring new businesses, create good paying jobs, drive economic growth in a part of the city that deserves its fair share of prosperity,” he said.
