Councilmember Tommy Wells Issues Statement to Protect Committed Community Development Funding in Southwest and Southeast Neighborhoods

(Washington, DC) – Councilmember Tommy Wells issued a statement today regarding the recent reports of the District’s interest in delaying committed community development dollars to publicly fund a downtown Convention Center hotel.

Stated Councilmember Wells, “I am asking the Chief Financial Officer and my Council colleagues to cease discussion about the possibility of delaying the TIF and PILOT funds promised to the Southwest and Capitol Riverfront communities and incorrectly stating the projects are not on track.  It is unwise for the City to even suggest going back on its commitment at the exact moment the project is moving forward to attract private financing. If attempted, it would create uncertainty and jeopardize the jobs, affordable housing, retail amenities and public investment that have been promised to our residents.”

“The District has just finished the Land Disposition Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding between all lease holders, allowing the Southwest development team to move ahead with the amenity based project,” added Wells.

Wells concluded, “Diverting funding away from the Southwest and Southeast neighborhoods at this time in favor of a fully government funded mega hotel breaks the promise we made to our residents that we are ready to move forward.”

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