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Green Alliance Takes a Stand at Poplar Point

(By Bill O'leary -- The Washington Post)

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The Anacostia River, generally listed as one of the 10 most polluted rivers in the nation, is nonetheless home to more than 25 species of fish. The Riverkeepers group recently identified more than 35 species of birds that call Poplar Point home, including bald eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.

The Architect of the Capitol used Poplar Point for many years as the site of a nursery, where flowers were grown for use in congressional offices. The D.C. government also had a nursery there, growing trees for use around the city.

"Potentially the most dangerous sections of the site have not been tested," Bluemel says.

Environmental claims are a developer's worst nightmare. Whether or not the most dire claims of the greens are correct, the process of finding out can take many years and many millions of dollars. Whatever you think of the proposed Poplar Point development, this sounds like another strong reason for the District to revive interest in the privately held land immediately adjacent to the park -- a wide-open area hungry for exactly the kind of development the city wants to put on what should be a splendid riverfront park.

Join me at noon today

for a debate on the conversion of Washington Catholic schools into public charter schools on "Raw Fisher Radio" at

www.washingtonpost.com/rawfisherradio.

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