At Union Market, plans for approximately 1,600 underground parking spaces

Already, Northeast Washington, D.C.’s Union Market has a surface parking lot, but with the high number of projects planned in the neighborhood, it’s possible that the venue may need to amp up its parking space inventory. Developers have requested the D.C. government fund this project along with general infrastructure upgrades. The total cost in tax increment financing bonds would be $82.4 million with $36 million going to approximately 1,600 underground parking spaces.

Local blog Greater Greater Washington has spoken up against this project, arguing that it would be better to focus on non-motorized transportation methods, such as pedestrian and bike access improvements.

In response to the Union Market developers’ plans, D.C. Councilmember David Grosso said, "The best way to provide an opportunity for people to park in [Union Market] is to give them more alternatives modes of transportation. Give people a streetcar going through there, give them a Circulator, give them a Metro."

Grosso also said that he would support the project if the developers pledged approximately $18 million to the proposed eastern entrance to the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station, as reported by Greater Greater Washington.

At a D.C. Council committee hearing in September, Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie showed support for the project, while adding, “There is not now, nor will there ever be, enough street parking to accommodate District drivers and our guests from other states."

Greater Greater Washington further reported that D.C.’s bonds would pay for roughly 600 parking spaces, while the developers and Gallaudet University would pay for the remaining spaces.

• The developers of Union Market want DC to pay for more parking [Greater Greater Washington]