Neighbors rally against D.C. barracks project

[unhappycamper]

Hal Seitz, 46, tends to his plot at the Virginia Park Community Garden in Southeast Washington on June 8. The garden, across Interstate 395 from Marine Barracks Washington, is being considered as a possible location for future Marine housing.


Neighbors rally against D.C. barracks project
By James K. Sanborn - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jun 19, 2010 8:47:08 EDT

Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., has its neighbors protesting the planned construction of new housing that could mean the destruction of a community garden.

The plot of land, located across Interstate 395 from the barracks at 8th and I streets, is home to the Virginia Avenue Community Garden.

Although activists are already mobilizing to save the garden, it is not under imminent threat and no final decisions have been made, according to a Marine spokeswoman. It is just one of several locations near 8th and I under consideration.

“The Marine Corps is committed to working with all of our stakeholders to identify the best possible options … while at the same time minimizing the impacts on the surrounding community,” said Capt. Lisa Lawrence, a spokeswoman for Marine Barracks Washington.

Jennifer Lancaster, the garden’s membership coordinator, said the group does like its proximity to the Marines.