Chairman Linda W. Cropp
at the request of the Mayor
A PROPOSED RESOLUTION IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA
Chairman Cropp, at the request of the Mayor, introduced the following resolution, which
was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
To review and provide comments on an offering document to receive proposals to develop
the McMillan Sand Filter Plant Site, located in Ward 5.
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as
the "Public Offering Document to Receive Proposals to Develop the McMillan Sand
Filter Plant Site Approval Resolution of 1998".
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia has reviewed and approves the Request
for Proposals documents prepared by the District of Columbia Department of Housing and
Community Development for the purpose of soliciting development proposals for the McMillan
Sand Filter Plant Site, pursuant to Section 3 of the "Disposal of District and
Surplus Real Property Amendment Act of 1989" (D.C. Law 8-96).
Sec. 3. The Secretary to the Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy
of this resolution, upon its adoption, to the Mayor of the District of Columbia.
Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
Dated: July 20, 1998
COMPETITIVE OFFERING SUMMARY SHEET
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS DOCUMENT TO SOLICIT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR
THE MCMILLAN SAND FILTER SITE
I. Description of Property
- Location : Site is bounded by North Capitol Street, Channing Street, First Street, and
Michigan Avenue, N.W. - Parcel : Tract No. 133 and portions of tracts No. 134 & 135
- Ward : 5
- Size : 25 acres
- Zoning : Unzoned
- Value : To be determined by an independent appraisal based on the proposed use of the
site.
II. Description of Request for Proposals (RFP) Documents
The RFP documents solicit development proposals that will provide new commercial
(retail and office), residential, community and open space uses and meaningful permanent
employment in buildings that best complement the scale and appearance of the area. The
District anticipates the value of the property at disposition to be determined by an
independent appraisal based on the proposed use of the site as leased or purchased. The
lease rate or purchase price will be determined by using the current appraised value.
III. Background
On May 15, 1986, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) declared the McMillan
Reservoir (also known as the McMillan Sand Filter Site) as Surplus Property.
On September 25, 1987, the District of Columbia acquired the McMillan Reservoir Site
for $9.3 Million to create a controlled community development that could include
commercial mixed-use development, residential development, recreational/community
development, and open space.
On October 20, 1989, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) advertised a
"Request for Proposals to Lease the McMillan Sand Filter Site".
On July 30, 1990, the site was transferred by DAS to DHCD to carry out the development
of the site.
On September 25, 1990, two proposals were received and evaluated by a DHCD established
panel.
On June 30, 1991, a group in Ward 5 (the McMillan Park Committee) brought suit to
enjoin the D.C. government from implementing any development plan on the site.
On August 21, 1991, the McMillan Reservoir was designated as a Historic Landmark.
On November 6, 1991, the DAS initiated Request for Proposals was canceled and the good
faith deposits were returned to the two applicants.
IV. Project Benefits
The primary benefits that the District of Columbia expects to receive from the
development of a successful proposal are:
- the number of construction and permanent jobs to be created, for District residents;
- the amount of tax revenue to be generated by the project;
- the economic impact on the surrounding area;
- other tangible or rion-tangible benefits identified by the successful developer;
- increases in new housing stock, especially for homeownership and special populations,
like the elderly and physically challenged individuals; - opportunities for new commercial services sorely needed in the area, such as grocery
stores and other retail uses; and - space for community uses, such as a police substation or a public library and required
open park space.
V. Required Public Action Needed to Carry Out the Project
The nature of this project will require many discussions with local Advisory
Neighborhood Commissioners, Community Based Organizations, neighbors, and local government
officials. The public actions required to bring this project to fruition are as follows:
(1) Release of Request for Proposals to solicit development proposals; (2) Selection of a
developer; (3) Negotiation and execution of an Exclusive Right Agreement; (4) Negotiation
of a Land Disposition Agreement; (5) Notice and conduction of a Public Hearing; (6)
Execution of a Land Disposition Agreement; (7) Approvals by the Historic Preservation
Board (site is designated as a Historic Landmark); (8) Approvals required by the Zoning
Commission (site is unzoned); and (9) Approval by the District of Columbia Financial
Management and Responsibility Authority.
The published legislation also includes the McMillan Sand Filter Site Request for
Proposals from the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development.