By Gene A. Lambey
Special to the AFRO
For many small business owners in Washington, D.C., the likely impact of the RFK Stadium project on their enterprises remains largely unknown.
“We’re waiting to see what the effects of the project could be on our business,” said Dave Burton, owner of Capital Candy Jar on 15th Street NE in an email to the AFRO. “We’re in an area with low foot traffic so it will be interesting to see if that changes once the stadium is built.”
The business owner said it would likely require some intervention from the government to ensure small enterprises in the city share in the expected economic boost from the stadium project.
“We’d love to see the city not only invest in small businesses along the street corridors but also small businesses in the neighborhoods around the new stadium,” Burton said.
ANC 7D05 Commissioner Ebony Payne also shared her thoughts on what she’d like to see happening with businesses near the multimillion development.
“I’d like to see small businesses be prioritized and given a fair shot,” Payne told the AFRO.
The commissioner used a former restaurant, Duffy’s Irish Pub, located at Park Kennedy, as an example. Payne said the owner had been seeking a larger venue ahead of the new stadium’s completion in 2030–it closed in February.
“I think Duffy’s is a good example of the reality that small businesses face. That was an existing business that wasn’t prioritized,” said Payne.
“I would just hope that the results match the rhetoric,” she continued.
Lastly, she added that the main concern for residents in the Kingman Park neighborhood is the proposed parking lot with over 4,000 parking spaces, which they said, could squeeze out other – more desired – businesses.
“People really wanted to see a grocery store. They wanted that mixed use development but the scale of the garage is so large. There’s not going to be any space for that (grocery store),” Payne said.
Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder currently oversees a subcommittee on the RFK stadium project and its impact on the community. In January, DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson tasked Felder with bolstering support for business improvement districts (BIDS) for small and local businesses surrounding the venue.
The AFRO reached out to Councilmember Felder to get his insight into the purpose of the subcommittee and his plans to assist local and small businesses around the RFK stadium.
AFRO: Could you elaborate on your role in overseeing the Community Benefits Committee?
WF: The Subcommittee on Local Business Development oversees small and local business development, business improvement districts, and all matters concerning stadium development at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium campus with the exception of planning, zoning and permitting. So, while we do have the pleasure of overseeing the RFK CBOC (Community Benefits Oversight Community), which has the important role of monitoring the implementation of the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), it is so much more.
The inclusion of the RFK CBOC under this subcommittee further strengthens our responsibility to make sure that major development projects translate into meaningful community outcomes. Throughout the year, the subcommittee will hold hearings with both the members of the committee as well as other relevant stakeholders to review CBA implementation progress and adherence, including our first performance oversight hearing with the CBOC on March 4.
AFRO: What responses have you heard from local business leaders in Ward 7 regarding your new position? Have you heard any feedback from Ward 7 residents as well?
WF: I’ve heard nothing but excitement from many Ward 7 residents and local business leaders. I’ve shared on a number of occasions my desire to make sure that we leverage economic development projects to get Ward 7 residents back to work and drive down our unemployment rate. I’ve also shared my goal of making sure that Ward 7 business owners have the opportunity to grow and scale their businesses to generate generational wealth.
AFRO: Have there been any additional talks with the Commanders regarding the community benefits package?
WF: Yes, it is my understanding that the CBA has been finalized and will be announced this spring.
AFRO: Could you give a list of goals you have in mind while overseeing the project?
WF: My primary goals while overseeing the subcommittee are twofold. My first goal is to gain a better understanding of the challenges that small businesses face across the District, and make sure they have access to capital, technical assistance and contracting opportunities in a way that is transparent, efficient and equitable. My second goal is to make sure that the District’s approach to the RFK Stadium redevelopment aligns with Council policy and statutory requirements, centers community benefits, is transparent, accountable and responsive to the surrounding communities, and serves as a catalyst to support small and local business, increase employment opportunities, support positive youth development and jumpstart neighborhood investments.
AFRO: Are there any upcoming community meetings planned in regards to the RFK project?
WF: There are RFK community meetings hosted by DMPED (Deputy Mayor’s Office for Planning and Economic Development) and the Office of Planning at St. Coletta’s. The most recent one occurred on Feb. 4 and the March date has not yet been announced. Additionally, the Subcommittee plans to hold public roundtables throughout the year as part of its oversight responsibility.