A NEW PROPOSAL FOR POTOMAC GARDENS !
Right now there is a status quo so to speak. Both parties are relatively unhappy. The "wealthy" Capitol Hill home owners are unhappy with the crime and the effects of the Potomac Gardens eyesore on their property values, and the Potomac Gardens residents are not happy that they have to perpetually rely on government assistance.
Perhaps in this particular situation, a creative solution that offers a win win scenario for ALL involved would be best. This idea treads on a slippery slope in some regards, but it may be the only way to move through this minefield.
I propose that the city (under partnership with a developer) offer residents of the Potomac Gardens complex a buyout offer for the units they currently live in, in return for their commitment to permanently move out of the complex. The offer would be put to a simple majority vote of the residents living at the complex. These former Potomac Garden residents would then be free to choose a better living situation that works for their individual circumstances (perhaps even home ownership).
Since Potomac Gardens is comprised of 352 units, the total cost for buying out the Potomac Gardens residents would run in the millions.
The city would buy the property from the current owner at a slight premium to market value. With the property now free for redevelopment and in the city's hands, the city would allow the developer to develop a large scale project as follows:
1)Demolish the entire current complex of buildings and temporarily replace it with park space while redevelopment plans are formalized.
2)Option to build one mixed use mega development project, OR sell off individual parcels of land
3)Include park or other outdoor gathering spaces equal to 1/4th of the total ground floor square footage.
4)Construct townhouses or retail that is consistent with capital hill architecture
If there were any issues with redevelopment feasibility, the developer could be offered tax credits by the city.
Everyone wins
