Economic Revitalization

Business Development and Improvement

Worked to attract the grocery chain Harris Teeter, Inc. to build its first store in the District (in Adams Morgan).
Authored a $2.5 million grant for
Metro that made the Columbia Heights Giant parking lot and Giant, itself, possible.
Successfully worked to lift a seven-year moratorium on new street vendor licenses in order to produce more jobs and give first preference to DC residents.
Supported the establishment of community markets on Georgia Avenue, U Street and in Columbia Heights.
Introduced and won Council approval for legislation establishing the Adams Morgan Business Improvement District to promote safety, cleanliness, and a business-friendly environment in Adams Morgan.

Development

As Chair of Metro Real Estate Committee, worked to develop parcels that made possible the Ellington, Highland Park, and Kensington Square in the U Street and Columbia Heights neighborhoods.
Sponsored legislation to limit the terms of Exclusive Right Agreements over District owned development parcels to one year, thereby ending years of abuse through land banking.
Supported the development rights of the old Hines Funeral Home for the Greater Washington Urban League, ending years of neglect and inaction at 14th and Harvard.

Preserving the Arts

Revitalization

Led the $60 million Kenyon Square effort to build a 153-unit condominium and street level stores at the Columbia Heights Metro station.
Led the efforts in the Target/DC USA project to revitalize Columbia Heights and generate an estimated 200 new jobs and $42 million in tax increment financing. The project included an underground garage with 1,000 parking spaces.
Authored two resolutions, which were unanimously passed by the Council, to require the Mayor to start planning a New Community at Park Morton.
Achieved implementation of the streetscape and façade improvements on Georgia Avenue, bringing new lighting, new paving, and restored storefronts to the Avenue.
Worked to get the District to buy the nuisance properties at Girard and 15th, saving the District $25,000 a month in lease payments, and return them to productive use, as the Columbia Heights Youth Center.

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