D.C. Seeks to Buy Land for 'Ballpark District'

WASA's case is potentially more challenging. The utility owns 11 acres at First and O streets SE and operates a critical pumping station there that is too expensive to move, said WASA General Manager Jerry N. Johnson.

However, some of WASA's operations at the site were being eyed for relocation before the stadium plans were announced last year.

"We're interested in being a development partner with the Anacostia corporation to maximize revenue and working jointly to provide a quality first-class development," Johnson said.

Much of the Metro land near the stadium site is considered particularly valuable because it is along Half Street, which city planners envision as the main entryway to the stadium.

But Altman said he believes it is equally important to get people to the area now owned by WASA, which is east of the stadium and closer to the Anacostia River. Altman is close to unveiling a waterfront redevelopment master plan, in which the ballpark is a key.

Allowing private development to happen without the city's influence and controls would not achieve these goals, he said.

"We want to create a real destination," Altman said, "and that can't happen if this coordinated strategy does not take place."

Staff writer Dana Hedgpeth contributed to this report.