Maryland Welcomes DC United

Less than a week after MacFarlane originally announced his intentions for seeking a new home for DC United outside the boundaries of D.C. the Maryland Comptroller responds by welcoming MacFarlane’s initiative and aiding however possible.

Just yesterday DC United owner Victor MacFarlane and team president Kevin Payne met with MD comptroller Peter Franchot expressing one anothers interests. The meeting comes amongst the severing of ties between Mayor Fenty representing Poplar Point and the owner over. The disagreement began when Fenty required MacFarlane to contribute $200 million to the Poplar Point development but MacFarlane was unwilling to offer more than $150 million…hardly a difference worth noting in the scheme of both the multi-billion dollar project nor the net worth of the billionaire. Since the dispute, Fenty published a request for expressions of interest (RFEI) from global developers with experience in waterfront development. The proposals are due this Friday, October 19th.

In spite of the meeting with the MD Comptroller, DC officials promptly responded by publicly stating their intentions to find a new home for the team within the limits of the city, a feat hardly worth believing…that is unless they can find 13 contiguous acres needed for the stadium site (or call on Douglas Jemal who to my research may be the single largest private landholder in the city).

MacFarlane has not responded to the cities efforts nor his intention to stay in the city.

Barry Shuns Fenty in Rejection for Poplar Point Bid by MacFarlane

In an article released by both the Examiner and WUSA9.com, apparently Ward 8 Council Member (and former Mayor) Marion Barry shunned Fenty for his rebellious actions in submitting an RFEI, request for expressions of interest, globally for developers to submit proposals for the development of Poplar Point. As mentioned in two previous blogs, Poplar Point is a 150-acre site, of which 130 acres are available for the RFEI and 110 acres are able to be developed. For years the site has been set to be turned over to the owner of DC United and nationwide developer based out of California, MacFarlane Partners, until recently. According to both articles, neither Barry nor Ward 8 (where the lot is located) will support anything but the new DC United stadium on the site, which was previously believed to be at a total development cost of nearly $150 Million. Recently, however, Fenty has had a change of heart when he released the RFEI, requesting developers to submit proposals totaling no less than $200 Million, which will include at least 30% affordable housing units and 20 acres of protected park land.

The Poplar Point project is part of a $10 Billion project named the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative.

Poplar Point also happens to be just 2/5ths of a mile from Stuart Kushners proposed project on Pomeroy Rd SE, known for his recent condo conversion at 1817 24th Pl SE. The proposed project will most likely include 12 duplex 2 bedroom condos at 1000 sq ft each with parking. Plans will be upload soon.

For more information about the Poplar Point Project click HERE.

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