THE LEAFLET
Advocacy Works: The Future Of The Waterfront
With Buzzard Point nearly complete, large-scale development along DC’s waterfront has taken a shift in focus toward the Anacostia River. Casey Trees is involved in ANC meetings, design charrettes, and behind-the-scenes partnerships to ensure that any new development will enhance connections to the Anacostia and maximize tree canopy. Expansive waterfront parks, tree-lined streets and green infrastructure can soon become a reality thanks to continued advocacy and meaningful partnerships.
The Wharf, Capitol Riverfront, and Navy Yard are essentially built out or planned for, so everything East becomes the last great frontier for sustainable development along the waterfront. Casey Trees became involved in the planning process during the first phase of this effort, the development at 1333 M Street SE. This vacant area is just a stone’s throw from the site where DC plans to build its first-ever elevated public park. Joining ANC 6B’s subcommittee meetings on 1333 M Street allowed us the opportunity to speak up on behalf of trees. We wanted to make sure that canopy trees were in abundance and that the existing trees surrounding the site would be preserved where possible.
This development has officially been approved and will begin construction over the next year. We’re so proud of the progress made throughout the planning process, and with the Comprehensive Plan amendments now approved to guide our city’s development over the next 20 years, we truly believe that these kinds of improvements can be made citywide.
Take a look to see the difference! 50 additional trees were included in the site plan, and many small ornamental trees were swapped for large canopy trees that provide enhanced ecological benefits.