Just as the Reeves Center once anchored the revitalization of the U Street corridor, future development on this parcel must reflect the best use for the community -- not simply the option that generates the most revenue up front.

U Street is a thriving night life corridor, with 14th and U Streets being an important crossroads for the entire city. Without a true commercial anchor and versatile community space, our retailers and other daytime businesses will continue to struggle and disappear.

Our corridor currently has adequate residential development. At 14th and U, we desperately need development that will provide daytime foot traffic to our neighborhood and businesses.

We, the undersigned, call on Mayor Gray and the entire DC Council to set the terms of the transfer to Akridge to specify commercial and community space as the primary designated uses for the building and lot, reserving office space within for entities such as the Office of Latino Affairs, the LGBT Center, the DOES Career Center and the U.S. Post Office, as well as public community space. We also have a preference for a design that creates that "sense of place," continuing the vital, connected streetscape, also allowing for community interaction maximizing the footprint usage of the ground level. This is a critical opportunity to create a versatile and engaging hub for healthy neighborhood activity at that corner including public offerings such as the farmers market, public seating and gathering space.