Now that D.C. United is under new ownership, city and team leaders said Monday they are ready to talk about building the Major League Soccer team a new stadium on Poplar Point.
Early in 2006, the District closed the deal to build the Washington Nationals’ new ballpark, a $611 million project that proved divisive for the city and its leaders. Now the city government has started talks for yet another arena, this one to house D.C. United on the federally owned 110-acre site in Ward 8.
During a news conference Monday to unveil the team’s new ownership group, District Mayor Adrian Fenty said his administration “is committed to being a great partner” with D.C. United. Simply his presence at the media event, he said, should be a “sign of support that we’re interested in getting something done.”
But the mayor wasn’t ready to commit to anything.
“We are open to all proposals,” he said.
Fenty said he has dispatched Neil Albert, deputy mayor for planning and economic development, to start discussions with various stakeholders with regard to a new soccer stadium and development on Poplar Point, prime real estate across from the Navy Yard. The land soon will be transferred to the District under abill approved last year by Congress.
The redevelopment of Poplar Point is being coordinated by the Anacostia Waterfront Corp., an independent government agency.
Victor MacFarlane, D.C. United’s new co-owner and managing principal of real estate investment firm MacFarlane Partners, said there is no plan “yet” for a stadium or development. But the team “obviously” needs a new home, he said, as RFK Stadium won’t be available forever.
In contrast to Fenty, Ward 8 Council Member Marion Barry threw his full weight behind the project.
“There’s a commitment on the part of the mayor, the council and myself to assist in building not only a stadium at Poplar Point, but $800 million to $1 billion in development,” Barry said.
The former mayor also said he is “prepared to support some assistance with the development,” including tax breaks.
