As theories about treatment for the mentally ill have evolved, the need for St. Elizabeths mental hospital’s expansive campus in Southeast D.C. has declined. What remains of the 149-year-old institution is mostly a collection of aging and abandoned buildings. The hospital’s location in the District’s most economically depressed area presents civic leaders with a priceless opportunity to spur new development and community growth.
Mayor Anthony Williams and city planning officials should use this opportunity to revitalize the area and build community among residents.
Despite the aesthetic and historic value of St. Elizabeths’ two campuses, the hospital’s location in the District’s Ward Eight presents a distinct challenge to community planners. The federal government still retains control of the West campus and is evaluating options for its development. The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have previously expressed interest in this land. Unfortunately, should these agencies move into St. Elizabeths, nonresidents would fill the majority of newly created jobs.
This would constitute a gross mishandling of this valuable property because it would fail to benefit local residents and businesses. Ward Eight, with its 4,000 acres, is by far the poorest area in the District. Home to 10 percent of the city’s population and total housing units, it has only six percent of the city’s total household income, but has 13 percent of the city’s children. Furthermore, 16 percent of its households live in poverty, and 19 percent of its families with young children are headed mostly by single mothers. Since over 95 percent of Ward Eight’s residents do not own their homes, they could become subject to displacement from gentrification should developers of St Elizabeths not proceed carefully.
Opportunities for positive actions can happen as seen by projects such as the Urban Oasis Community Farm and Learning Center. When Ward Eight’s only grocery store closed in 1998, Urban Oasis, an organic farm which resides on St Elizabeths’ west campus, became a major food source for the neighborhood’s over 70,000 residents while also creating chance for local youths to become involved in this community project. The success of Urban Oasis provides a taste of the potential good that can come from effective development of the land.
The future of St. Elizabeths’ 336 acres is undoubtedly intertwined with the future of Ward Eight. City and federal officials should take this occasion to open the grounds for development that will improve the quality of life for the residents of the surrounding community.
