The historical closing of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC earlier this month signaled new changes not only for the 120 year old medical campus, but also for the city and residents in DC’s Ward 4 neighborhoods. Luckily, thanks to AmericaSpeaks‘ involvement, residents in the area now have the opportunity to offer their input in the re-development and re-use process for this land.

Due to BRAC closures, the US Army offered the District an opportunity to reuse 62.5 acres of the 113 acre site located in northwest Washington, DC. This is an unequivocal win for the District, as the city will be buying the majority of the campus.  Last year, over 700 residents participated in local community forums, facilitated by AmericaSpeaks, designed to guide the government mandated reuse plan and provide a vision for the development of the campus.  The results were included in the Final Draft Plan submitted to the Army that incorporated the community’s suggestions for mixed used housing, retail, and a preservation of open space. The remaining land would be used by GSA and the State Department for uses unspecified by the government.

However, with the official closing of the site, the Army altered the original plan, adding 5.5 acres to the District and changing the borders. As a result, the District’s Walter Reed Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) will reopened the community engagement process.  This time around, the community will have additional information about the State Department’s intended use of the neighboring acres – which it intends to use to house 10 to 20 chanceries on the 45 acres of the northwest corner of the campus. These new dynamics and boundaries wtill give the community another opportunity to weigh in on the best uses for the campus.

As required by the Base Realignment and closure provisions, extensive community input is integral to the development of a reuse plan.  Three additional forums will be held this fall on October 5 and November 17 with the final plan meeting scheduled for February 2. Now Ward 4 and other DC residents will have a second opportunity to influence the Walter Reed Reuse Plan that will impact 67.5 acres of land including all of the campus’ property along Georgia Avenue. This is a great opportunity for residents to guide the redevelopment process. Community input will ensure that the reuse plan continues to reflect the needs of residents living in nearby neighborhoods, and the city-wide community.

If you live in or around Ward 4, don’t miss your opportunity to lend your voice to the re-use process!