WASHINGTON — More than 50 people crammed into a tiny meeting room at the MLK Jr. Library in Northwest D.C. Monday night anxious to discuss the future of redevelopment in Chinatown and Gallery Place.
Although the future of the area is one of the big topics a lot of the residents have concerns that they say need to be addressed right now.
"If you go out of your apartment and it's dangerous on the street, you're not thinking five years down the road," said resident Peter Friedmann.
Friedmann and his wife Debra live close by and say they're encouraged and optimistic about both the leadership of Mayor Bowser's Chinatown task force and the opportunities to get people back into the city.
"I think it's so important to have the restaurants back. Things are coming back. It's important to have police. If we just have more people here. The museums are here. There's so much to offer," said Debra Friedmann.
Both agree that having the Monumental-owned sports teams remain in D.C. is key to keeping the area strong.
"I'm here because I'm concerned about a lot of the issues that residents have brought up. I'd like to see it come roaring back. I'm glad the Caps are staying," said resident Fred Dever. "But we need more than that."
Dever echoes a lot of the complaints shared about noise, lighting, and crime. Those attending are all hoping to maintain and enhance a diverse and vibrant neighborhood.
"What we're fighting for are both services to be given and things that need to be met now but also thinking about the long-term future of Chinatown," said DC resident Cassie He, "and what it means to really revitalize the area that is inclusive of community members."
Another town hall is scheduled for Saturday and details can be found HERE.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled a new task force in January charged with creating a new vision for the Gallery Place-Chinatown area.
The task force includes several D.C. heavy hitters including two former mayors known for bringing big changes to the city’s landscape: Anthony Williams who’s credited with bringing the Washington Nationals to Southeast and Adrian Fenty known for updating the city schools and rec centers and adding bike lanes. Leading the task force, the two women behind the successful Union Market in NE and The Yards development in SE: Jodie McLean and Deborah Ratner Salzberg.
"I have worked with these women for several years," said the mayor, "and I can tell you it's going to be fast. They are working quickly on the timeline so we can move forward with the vision."
But crime in Chinatown continues to be a major concern for businesses and forced many out long before Monumental Sports considered moving to Northern Virginia.
“We have an unacceptable level of crime not only in the downtown but throughout [the city],” said Mayor Bowser. “So we’re going to listen to the businesses and listen to what our data says and put in place whatever is necessary.”
“Small improvements like lighting in some of our alleys and dealing with some of our abandoned buildings,” added Gerren Price, president of Downtown DC Business Improvement District. Price said the BID will also be taking advantage of city grants to help businesses hire private security in addition to MPD patrols.
“We’re looking at all different types of ways to have more eyes on the street to address challenges as they emerge,” said Price.
“We need to move much faster,” said CM Brooke Pinto, chair of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. “But I am hopeful that when dollars go out the door this month for the safe commercial corridors people will start feeling a difference downtown.”
The mayor hopes once crime numbers creep down, residents will move in confirming that five downtown office spaces are already being converted into apartment buildings and 11 more are in the pipeline.
In fact, the mayor will be introducing legislation offering a 20-year property tax break to developers as an incentive.
Residents are encouraged to submit their ideas for the Chinatown-Gallery Place area here.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.