D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray has picked a developer for the long awaited redevelopment of the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
A city official told the News4 I-Team's Scott MacFarlane that Hines, Urban Atlantic and Triden Development Group LLC offered the best deal for the city and the least amount of government subsidies. The developer has agreed to negotiate with Wegman's to potentially bring a store to the former Walter Reed site, the source tells MacFarlane. Plans for the site include a mix of high-rise housing -- both affordable and senior – and shops.
Some neighbors told News4 the increase in traffic is not welcome.
"We already have problems with traffic," Gwen Green said. "If we put a high-rise there, it's going to be worse. We have accidents once a week on the corner. It's going to be too congested. I'd appreciate it if they'd just leave it alone."
The site is nearly 70 acres and must first be formally transferred to the Washington DC government by the US Army. Sources tell MacFarlane Tuesday’s selection of a developer could help speed the transfer.
According to the Washington City Paper, the city whittled their list of developers down to five in April. It's been two years since the State Department and the District of Columbia took possession of the hospital grounds.
The hospital's operations were moved back in 2011 to an upgraded facility at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and at Fort Belvoir, Va.
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The commissioners who represent the area are expected to meet Tuesday evening at Fort Stevens Recreation Center to discuss the proposal.
