What is a “Community Integrated Master Plan,” you might ask? Essentially, the Barracks at 8th and I Streets, SE, are in need of some repairs and upgrades, and to complete these tasks the Marine Corps needs to expand into some new space. As the Marines create new space, they want to find ways to work with and give back to the community, hence the “Community Integrated” part of the plan.
As explained by ANC6B Commissioner, Norm Metzger, on his blog, “A new facility is needed that meets DOD and Marine requirements and is within walking distance of the Barracks. At the same time, the aim is to create new facilities that to some extent — e.g. satisfying military requirements — that can be shared with the community; e.g. child care, meeting, and sports facilities; a Post Exchange that also offers a public grocery store with special pricing for military personnel, etc.”
Marine Barracks Washington has set up a Web site for the proposal (http://sedistrictcimp.com) and will hold an information meeting on Wednesday, January 27 from 5 pm to 8 pm in Eastern Market’s North Hall. They want help from the community to identify issues, concerns, and potential opportunities for military-community development partnering. Stop by tomorrow night to learn more and offer your own feedback.