The DC Housing Authority released a request for proposals (RFP) to redevelop Greenleaf Gardens and Seniors Housing, which provides 493 deeply-affordable homes for Ward 6 residents in the heart of Southwest.

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, who has long pushed for re-development of Greenleaf Gardens only by following a build first model, issued the following statement:

Today, the DC Housing Authority released a request for proposals (RFP) to redevelop Greenleaf Gardens and Seniors Housing, which provides 493 deeply-affordable homes for Ward 6 residents in the heart of Southwest. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, who has long pushed a Build First model for re-development of Greenleaf public housing, issued the following statement:

“I am glad to see this process moving forward and I remain committed to ensuring any redevelopment of Greenleaf follows a Build First model -- so that not one current Greenleaf resident is displaced while waiting on a new home. We have learned enough lessons from the past to do this in a way where everyone wins and we set a new standard for our communities.

Any build first proposal will need to build new homes prior to any demolition. I have frequently mentioned one possible option for one of the needed sites is the District-owned parcel at M and Half Street, SW – where the District’s Fire and EMS maintenance facility is located. As Chair of the Council’s Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, I continue working to build a modern fleet maintenance facility that can provide much better service for our Fire and EMS vehicles at a different location. A new, modern facility will require more space than the current location at Half Street and M Street, SW, conveniently located next door to Greenleaf. We can solve two problems at once in finding space for the first building in a redevelopment while moving the fleet maintenance facility to a larger, more suitable space. In order to ensure community buy-in for a redevelopment, there must be robust community engagement throughout the process, including an opportunity to review proposals

Finally, we know even under the best circumstances, we are at least four to five years away from any residents moving into a newly-built home. And we have serious conditions in Greenleaf that need to be met immediately and until all new homes are constructed. I will continue to push DC Housing Authority to invest in the needed repairs and maintenance so that all current Greenleaf residents have the dignified and safe housing they deserve - those families cannot wait on a promise of housing in the years to come.”

Greenleaf Gardens was originally constructed in 1959 – it includes five separate housing properties, all located in Southwest DC.