City has new plan for Nats parking garage
The controversy over whether to build a parking garage at the new ballpark above or below ground may be settled, The Post reports. Earlier today, Mayor Anthony Williams announced out a compromise plan:
The first two levels of both structures would be restaurants and shops and on top of those would be four levels of parking — totaling 925 spots — wrapped by condominiums. Another eight levels on top of that would be more condos, including 140 units priced below market value for lower-income residents.
This new plan has to be approved by the council though, so like every other ballpark issue that proceeded it, is far from over. The Nats ownership has been briefed as well.
The cost of building above and below ground is a big difference and when talking about how much money this whole project will take, I can totally understand why the new owners, who are real estate developers in the business for a looonnng time and know the cost of construction, would push for above parking.
Also, the time and money it takes to dig up ground to build would definitely throw the schedule of construction and delivery of the project way off – at least by 6+ months.
I’m glad Mayor Williams finally agreed to the concept proposed by Lerner. This is a great example of public and private entities working together towards a mutually beneficial solution – why can’t we do that with DC schools?