District could lease Poplar Point land for a health and wellness project

The bill would let the Mayor lease about 15 acres at Poplar Point to Therme DC LLC for its health and wellness project. The parcel is about 15 acres at Poplar Point, in the area beside the Anacostia River described in the bill. The District must first acquire the land from the federal government. The District has no duty to lease the land unless both sides sign the final agreements and meet their conditions. Changes to key business terms require Council approval. The Mayor’s authority would expire 10 years after the act takes effect. The term sheet proposes a 60-year lease, with one option to extend it for 20 years.

The developer would have to meet local hiring and business contracting requirements for project design and construction. These requirements apply to Therme DC LLC and its successors, assigns, or affiliates approved under the bill’s terms. The developer must contract with certified businesses for at least 35% of design and construction contract dollars. A First Source Agreement would govern job creation and employment obligations, and the developer must also follow stated rules for local, small, and disadvantaged businesses and District resident hiring.