WASHINGTON (7News) — The challenge to revive D.C.’s downtown or Chinatown neighborhood was on full display Tuesday morning at a breakfast with district leaders.
Mayor Muriel Bowser put a big focus on Chinatown, inviting council members Tuesday morning to listen to a plan put forward to revive the neighborhood.
“We know that we have to stay focused, and be innovative and set a big vision,” Mayor Bowser said.
The district launched the Gallery Place/Chinatown Task Force and for the first time met to outline its goals.
Mayor Bowser asked, “How can we better use public space so that we are bringing people to the area outside of event days that support the small businesses who are in and around here?”
MORE | DC Mayor Bowser promotes $20M in grants to combat soaring office vacancy rates
However, that event space might soon be empty if Monumental Sports moves its NHL and NBA teams from the Capital One Arena to a proposed sports complex that would be built in Alexandria, Virginia.
“We think that we will be great either way but we also know this is Washington and Washington’s teams should play in Washington,” said Mayor Bowser.
The task force has a committee that consists of names like Jose Andres that will develop a plan.
By May, they expect to have a vision for the public, and by September – having a plan ready for feedback.
