ALEXANDRIA, VA-The City of Alexandria released a statement late this afternoon (Mar. 27) saying that the deal to bring the Washington Wizards and Capitals to town “will not move forward.” The news comes after months of controversy related to plans to construct an arena and concert venue in Potomac Yard.
According to WTOP, the $2 billion deal with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, praised by Go. Youngkin (R-VA), was met with opposition by Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly.
The city’s statement, which focuses on the missed economic opportunity, reads in part:
As stewards of the City’s economic health and development, City leaders believed the Potomac Yard Entertainment District opportunity was worthy of community discussion and Council consideration. We negotiated a framework for this opportunity in good faith and participated in the process in Richmond in a way that preserved our integrity. We trusted this process and are disappointed in what occurred between the Governor and General Assembly.
When news broke last December of an agreement to bring the teams to Alexandria, local businesses saw it as a positive while many residents expressed concern. At the time, Mayor Justin Wilson said, “Alexandria’s ability to attract this ambitious project is a direct result of the success of previous investments made in Potomac Yard and across our city,” He continued: “Our City Manager Jim Parajon led a talented team, working hand-in-hand with the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, to bring us this opportunity. A project this special will help the City realize our collective strategy and the vibrant vision for this neighborhood and for our city as a whole.”
In the ensuing months, community engagement events took place to provide details of the plan to the public. People expressed concern over cost, parking, construction, and gameday crowds.
Earlier this month, Virginia lawmakers passed the state budget without funding for the arena. And just last week, having heard the voices of her constituents, Vice Mayor Amy Jackson, who is running for Mayor this November, released a statement to The Zebra Press, where she expressed her opposition to the arena.
After listening to city residents and examining the facts, I can’t support the arena project. It’s not the right move for the City, and we need a new plan for Potomac Yard that maintains our vision of innovation. The Potomac Yard location is a huge opportunity for our city that needs a new strategy. “We can’t bet the future of our city on dealmaking in Richmond and promises from professional sports teams. Alexandria shouldn’t cede control over what happens at Potomac Yard, and we shouldn’t settle for a deal that doesn’t support good-paying union jobs. –Vice Mayor Amy Jackson
Under a lease agreement, the teams cannot legally leave DC for 23 more years. Doing so would amount to a breach of that lease. As reported by The Washington Post, a letter from D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb to Monumental Sports & Entertainment called the handshake deal with Virginia “breaking promises” to D.C. Schwalb also expressed his desire to not pursue legal action.
[SEE ALSO: City of Alexandria Hosting Stream Cleanup April 6 at Windmill Hill Park]
