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Take Action Before a Deal is Signed

* Take Action Before a Deal is Signed

Your Guide to Testifying

The DC Council has scheduled a hearing for July 29th for the public to testify on the redevelopment of RFK Stadium. The deadline to register is July 25th but, this may extend well into the late evening, so don’t wait to sign up to testify in person, online, or via written testimony (which you can do early). There’s even an option to submit a voicemail, which will be transcribed for the Council.

  • “Our community priorities include: 1) clear and ongoing oversight of the project; 2)  expanding access to the site through improved public transportation; 3) ensuring the safety of the surrounding community; 4) economic development that includes retail and mixed use development; and 5) maintaining publicly accessible greenspace.”

KEEP IT CONSISTENT

We think our goals are best met if we all include consistent messaging in addition to what you’re individually passionate about. We’ve tried to make it as easy as possible, with two bullet points to include in your testimony before you include your own personalized remarks:

  • “Vague promises lead to failed projects. Any final agreement must include clear deadlines, measurable outcomes, and enforcement provisions so the community isn’t left behind.”

KEEP IT BRIEF

The Council requests no more than three minutes of testimony, which is about 375 words. (For reference, each bullet above is around 30 words.) If you only want to copy and paste those two bullets without adding a personal touch, that’s fine too.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

We’ve put together simple talking points which you can use in your testimony. Simply copy and paste the section(s) you’re most passionate about into your testimony, and/or put them into your own words. These are simply ideas — RFK Future just wants to make sure the Council hears from YOU!

  • We need a strong, community-led Oversight Committee to ensure the promises made are actually kept. Without real transparency and enforcement mechanisms, these commitments risk becoming empty words.

  • The developer must invest in a metro infill station and pedestrian access over excessive parking structures to ensure our neighborhoods are further connected by this development, not congested or cut off.

    Read more

  • We must protect existing green space, and public access to it.  Any new development should preserve and improve our natural surroundings, not damage them. An impact study has only been done on demolishing the old stadium, but we demand an environmental impact study for new development before this deal is signed. 

    The athletic fields, SportsPlex, and other limited-use areas are all amazing benefits, but they’re not always open to the public. While the current deal promises a percentage of parks and open space, the definition is not clear. Green space should mean any area that a neighbor can spread out a picnic blanket. The Commanders can build a concrete slab with a bench on it and claim it toward the percentage they state. We demand the terms sheet be updated to maintain and expand existing, publicly accessible green space.

  • Currently, there are zero commitments listed in the terms sheet to develop the site besides the stadium and parking. This development must prioritize community needs including retail and mixed use development that will bring grocery stores, pharmacies, and child care to our Wards. Before the DC Council votes on a deal, there must be specific commitments in the terms sheet to develop percentages of retail and mixed use properties that make our neighborhoods healthier and more welcoming for all every day, not just on game day.

  • There must be a comprehensive, clearly coordinated approach to public safety for the surrounding community – including a unified policing strategy, youth services and programming, crisis response, sanitation, and public amenities.

  • A meaningful partnership means investing in local culture and youth – supporting our schools, libraries, arts, and sports and recreation centers show a real commitment to our community.

  • Jobs created by this project must go to local residents, pay a living wage, and come with training programs that open doors to long-term careers, not just temporary work.

  • To prevent displacement, this development must deliver truly affordable housing, protect local residents from rising costs, and offer pathways to homeownership.

SEND US A COPY

We’d love it if you could send us a copy of your testimony (or a portion of it) so we can share people’s thoughts on RFK Future’s website and other materials. You can email anything you’re willing to share at YourRFKFuture@gmail.com or on Instagram @RFK.Future

DON’T FEEL LIKE WRITING? LEAVE A VOICEMAIL INSTEAD

Simply leave a voicemail to the DC Council’s Committee of the Whole Testimony Transcription Line.

Call 202-430-6948 (up to three minutes which will be transcribed) and your message will become part of the official record.