Congress to vote on bill to lease RFK stadium to DC
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The US House of Representatives will vote on a bill Wednesday afternoon that would lease the land where RFK Stadium sits to the District of Columbia for 99 years.
Mayor Bowser has major redevelopment plans for the site, which include a new football stadium for the Washington Commanders, but some residents in the area are not on board.
The bill, sponsored by House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-KY), would transfer the administrative jurisdiction of RFK Stadium to DC, giving the District the green light to revitalize the space for commercial and residential use.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has been pushing for a new stadium on the site, as well as housing and retail spaces.
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However, according to an October survey, 67% of residents living near the defunct stadium would rather see a park or sports and recreation complex there instead. In fact, a new stadium at the site is the least important priority for residents who cited major concerns around traffic and noise, according to the same survey.
Resident, John Howard, told DC News Now that he’s not a fan of Bowser’s plans. “I do not want another NFL Stadium in this area,” said Howard. “When RFK was still open, you could not leave the neighborhood for the course of an entire game day.” But Paris Merkerson who lives in the same neighborhood as RFK Stadium is a bit more benevolent about the prospect of a new stadium.
“I’m ok with it. I can’t just be one-sided. I understand there’s a lot of people who live in the neighborhood – a lot of older people, such and such, and the noise,” said Merkerson. She told DC News Now that in addition to a new stadium, she’d like to see housing for the homeless constructed at the site as well.
Debate on the bill is expected to begin at 4:30 Wednesday afternoon.
If it passes, the bill will still need to clear the Senate.
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