Washington, D.C

D.C. mayor touts bond rating in arena bid

Published

10 months ago

February 12, 2024

D.C. mayor touts bond rating in arena bid

A proposed plan to build a $2 billion arena complex in Northern Virginia through a public-private partnership that would move two major league sports franchises out of Washington D.C .is attracting pushback from state legislators, local residents, and Washington’s mayor who’s offering $500 million in renovations to the team’s current home.

“The city would leverage our triple-A bond rating to borrow without raising taxes or displacing any planned capital projects,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, via an op-ed in The Washington Post last Friday. “The result would be a new, more profitable, state-of-the-art urban arena, with improved corporate suites and more and better entertainment options.”

Last week, the Virginia House Appropriations Committee voted 17-3 to advance legislation to create a stadium authority that would issue about $1.5 billion of bonds. The revenue for paying down the debt would come from ticket taxes, parking fees, concession taxes, income taxes levied on athletes performing at the arena, and naming rights.

“The city would leverage our AAA bond rating to borrow without raising taxes or displacing any planned capital projects,” said Democratic DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. “The result would be a new, more profitable, state-of-the-art urban arena, with improved corporate suites and more and better entertainment options.”

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Despite the vote, opposition remains. Democratic State Sen. L. Louise Lucas, who chairs the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, was quoted on X (formerly known as Twitter) Monday saying, “The more we use the reputation of the Commonwealth to finance billionaires’ projects, the more we risk not being able to finance our own projects.”

Lucas represents Portsmouth, one of the cities making up the Hampton Roads area which charges tolls for several water crossings that thread the area together. Tolls went up in January as Lucas searches for relief in Richmond.

The plan for a new arena complex includes underground parking, practice facilities, offices, media studios, a fan plaza and a performing arts venue. Future development is also being eyed for the area on the western border of the site which is dominated by strip shopping centers and surface parking lots.

The site is near the desirable Del Ray neighborhood in Alexandria where opposition has arisen due to traffic and noise concerns along with skepticism about the complex generating enough revenue to service the debt.

“We believe along with a lot of sports economists, who believe that most of these projects generally are money losers, and don’t generate anywhere near the revenue that they claim they will,” said local resident Andrew Macdonald. Macdonald is a former Alexandria vice mayor and former city council member now working as organizer of the Coalition to Stop the Arena at Potomac Yard. “Hence, at some point, somebody’s going to owe something.”

The proposed deal was officially announced last December by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Ted Leonsis, whose firm, Monumental Sports & Entertainment owns the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and the NBA’s Washington Wizards.

If the deal happens, the teams will move across the river to brand new facilities built from scratch on a 12-acre site in Potomac Yard, a former rail hub that straddles Arlington County and the city of Alexandria.

The arena jockeying happening in the D.C. area reflects a national trend of metropolitan areas tapping public financing to build new sports facilities that offer luxury class amenities.

In Nashville, the NFL’s Tennessee Titans will be getting a new home thanks to a combination of over $700 million in local bonds and $500 million in state paper. Their current stadium is still on the hook for $30 million in public debt.

Last December the Indianapolis City Council voted to finance Eleven Park, a $1.5 billion mixed-use development anchored by a minor-league soccer stadium, that will be partially funded through bonds issued by the Indianapolis Local Public Improvement Bond Bank.

The D.C. mayor also alluded to existing lease requirements that may come into play. “We intend to keep our end of the bargain and enforce the leases with Monumental that require the Wizards and Capitals to play at the arena through 2047 and the (WNBA) Mystics to play in Congress Heights through 2037,” she said in the op-ed.

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Washington, D.C

D.C. Age Debate Reignites After Rep Found at Old Folks’ Home

Published

7 hours ago

December 22, 2024

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D.C. Age Debate Reignites After Rep Found at Old Folks’ Home

Politics

Rep. Kay Granger was found to be residing at an independent living facility in Texas following a six-month, unexplained absence from the Capitol.

Updated Dec. 22 2024 6:05PM EST / Published Dec. 22 2024 5:35PM EST

Tom Williams/Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

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Washington, D.C

Mayor Bowser, Commanders' Josh Harris, and other local leaders react to RFK Stadium deal

Published

15 hours ago

December 22, 2024

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Mayor Bowser, Commanders' Josh Harris, and other local leaders react to RFK Stadium deal

WASHINGTON (7News) — After years of debate, false starts, and controversy, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act was passed in the Senate with unanimous consent, paving the way for the Washington Commanders to return to D.C.

Now, local leaders are speaking about the benefits, and potential drawbacks, of a new football stadium in the city.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)

D.C. has scored a victory in its fight for self-determination just in time for the holidays. When the bill is signed into law by President Biden, D.C. will get to decide for itself what to do with the largest unused tract of land remaining in the District. I look forward to seeing the site transformed from crumbling blight to a productive and bustling complex that will generate significant revenue for the nation’s capital.

Throughout my career in Congress, I’ve prioritized transferring unused federal land to D.C. or the private sector, enabling the redevelopment of neighborhoods, generating tax revenue and bringing much-needed space to the District.

Maryland U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen

Maryland has been the proud home of the Commanders for over two decades and we continue to believe that this partnership should continue long into the future. After working to level the financial playing field, and receiving assurances that should the team move they will redevelop the existing site in a manner that meets the needs of the community, tonight we supported the proposed land transfer legislation. We have always supported the District’s effort to control its own land, and through regional discussions and cooperation, our concerns with this proposal have been addressed.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser

Josh Harris, Managing Partner of the Washington Commanders

We are extremely grateful that our elected officials have come together on a bipartisan basis to give Washington D.C. the opportunity to decide on the future of the RFK stadium site. This bill will create an equal playing field so that all potential future locations for the home of the Washington Commanders can be fairly considered and give our franchise the opportunity to provide the best experience for all of our fans.

Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-Md)

Maryland should have the chance to compete to keep the Commanders here.

I opposed this bill in the House, and I oppose it today, because federal taxpayers should not be required to subsidize an NFL stadium by offering a 99-year lease of the RFK campus for free. That’s not fair to the taxpayers, and it’s not fair to Maryland because it undermines Maryland’s chance to compete on a level playing field.

But we can still win. Our site offers two nearby Metro stations, superior highway access, and a larger campus for parking. Now that the Dan Snyder era is over and the Harris team has brought winning football back to the DMV, a state-of-the-art indoor stadium would jumpstart redevelopment in the area and trigger property appreciation in short order. In addition to the ten games or so the Commanders play, the stadium could be used year-round for events like the Final Four and music concerts. Working closely with the Harris team–which owns much of the land around the stadium–we could create an economic win-win that would benefit the community, the region, the team, and the fans.

Maryland looks forward to working with the Harris team to make that vision a reality.

DC Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie

DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson

We are grateful the legislation passed and that this large tract will not continue to deteriorate with a crumbling stadium on it.

At the same time, it is unfortunate that the Senate found unanimous consent to move the legislation concerning RFK, but is leaving untouched ten judicial vacancies. This continues to be a setback to the District’s public safety ecosystem. I would also be remiss to not emphasize that the continuing resolution underfunds, our police by $10 million.

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Washington, D.C

LIST: Free, engaging options in DC for your kids, families during Winter break

Published

23 hours ago

December 22, 2024

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LIST: Free, engaging options in DC for your kids, families during Winter break

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), is offering dozens of activities for kids and families during the 2024-2025 Winter break.

“These initiatives provide young people with safe and engaging activities from Dec. 21 through Dec. 31. While many events are designed for all age groups, DPR is also hosting specialized programming for teenagers, creating dedicated spaces for them to connect, socialize, and have fun,” the Mayor said in a press release.

READ MORE | Man killed in Walker Mill shooting, marks 100th murder in Prince George’s County this year

Here are a list of the activities:

Community Toy Giveaway: Toy distribution and cocoa for children in the community

When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Fort Stevens Recreation Center, 1327 Van Buren Street, NW

Movie Field Trip: Sonic 3: Young people can enjoy a field trip to see Sonic 3, with multiple pickup locations

When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Register HERE

Grinchmas at Kenilworth: Join us for a community holiday Grinch-themed party

When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Kenilworth Recreation Center, 4321 Ord Street, NE

Community Christmas Extravaganza: An event for the distribution of toys, hygiene products, coats, and used clothing to those in need

When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales Street, NE

Holiday Hype: A festive gathering at the MLK Library for all ages

When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: MLK Library, 901 G Street NW
Register HERE

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Just Cares Toys for Tots Youth Basketball Tournament: This holiday basketball tournament and charity event will include Santa picture booth, entertainment, toy giveaways, and adult and kids basketball games!

When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Deanwood Community Center, 1350 49th Street, NE

Water Cycle and Aqua Fitness: Water-based activities and fitness sessions

Where: Ferebee-Hope Aquatic Center, 700 Yuma Street SE
Water Cycle: Dec. 24 and 26, 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Aqua Fitness: Dec. 24 and 26, 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

eSports and Gaming Tournaments

eSports Throwback & Brawlhalla Tournament: Columbia Heights Community Center, Dec. 23, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
eSports 2K24 Tournament: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, Dec. 26, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Winter E-Gaming Tournament: Hillcrest Recreation Center, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
eSports Madden Tournament: Deanwood Community Center, Dec. 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Holiday Drip: Celebrate the season with music and water-based fun

When: Dec. 27, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Barry Farm Aquatic Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE

Holiday Sing-Along: Come out to sing your favorite holiday carols

When: Monday, Dec. 30, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th Street, NW

Holiday Movie Night: Come out to the Joseph Cole Recreation Center for a holiday movie

Where: Joseph Cole Recreation Center, 1299 Neal Street, NE
When: Monday, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Teen Time: Teens will have the chance to play minute-to-win-it games, board games, art activities, and basketball!

When: Friday, Dec. 27, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Ridge Road Community Center, 830 Ridge Road, SE,

Teen Time: Teens will have the chance to play minute-to-win games, board games, art activities, and basketball!

When: Monday, Dec. 23, Tuesday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 30, and Tuesday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales Street, NE

High School Lifeguard Training: Comprehensive lifeguard training for high school students at multiple locations

Ballou HS Aquatic Center, 3401 4th Street SE: Dec. 22 – 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dunbar HS Aquatic Center, 101 N Street NW: Dec. 26 – 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Roosevelt HS Aquatic Center, 4301 13th Street NW: Dec. 29 – 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Rumsey Aquatic Center, 635 North Carolina Avenue SE: Dec. 29 – 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Junior Lifeguard Academy: A training program for youth ages 9 to 15 interested in lifeguarding, with sessions offered at various aquatic centers