Movement at Poplar Point on Stadium

According to this morning's Washington Post, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty has proposed using public funds to build a stadium for DC United on Poplar Point that may cost as much as $190 million. Now this is unexpected. The feelings here were that there would be no news on a stadium until the newness of the yet to be opened Nationals Stadium had worn off and the "one thing at a time" DC Council could be pointed in a new direction. I am glad to be proven wrong. It appears that a winner has been chosen to develop the site, Clark Realty Capital of Bethesda (yeah, Bethesda!) and their design includes space for a stadium next to the centrally located park.

So what does this mean to United? Not much for now. This signals the beginning of the next round of negotiations between the mayor's office, the City Council, and DC United. At best, a stadium could be ready for the 2011 season, but most likely 2012 or 2013. United would be smart to continue talking to Prince George's County to keep the pressure on Fenty to not get distracted, and "Mayor for Life" Marion Barry also should keep up his shouting campaign which seems to have been very effective.

All in all, good news and a positive step. But it is far from a completed deal. And I have to say, I am partial to the Poplar Point site being that it is in the name of this blog and all. I'm just sayin'...

EDIT: D at the DCenters posted his thoughts within minutes of my post. Here are his thoughts, although it was on B4 of my paper, not A1. He must get the "Soccer Edition" of The Post at his house.