As a civic organization, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society helps protect the historic character of Capitol Hill. History lives in our buildings and architecture and prior to associations like CHRS, there was very little that could be done to prevent razing or extreme modification of houses now deemed historic. While the RFK campus is not directly connected to Capitol Hill, as the historic district’s eastern end is between 11th and 14th Streets east, our collective quality of life is deeply impacted by our neighbors’ well-being and the decisions made by the city. (N.B.: Here is a map of the Capitol Hill Historic District as of 2018.)
CHRS recently shared a press release supporting the development of the RFK campus as a site for recreation and increased affordable housing– in other words, espousing progressive ideals that have been espoused previously by the Bowser administration. The condensed release is below, but here is a link with added context and sources. We appreciate the thoughtful approach and scholarship that CHRS has invested in stating their position.
CHRS is in alignment with the important District goals in the 2021 Comprehensive Plan and earlier studies which have been long championed by Mayor Muriel Bowser and other civic leaders,” Angie Schmidt, president of CHRS, said.
CHRS supports using the land for athletic and recreational use, she said, as well as including affordable housing, commercial and residential projects, continued public access to the Anacostia River Trail, and no development within 60 feet of the shoreline and wetlands next to the Anacostia River.
But, she said, “The residents of Ward 7 and the Kingman Park Historic District have a much more vested interest in how the campus is developed. CHRS intends to be a good neighbor and support their wishes.”