001Right now, the DC Council is holding a public hearing on this deal to build a new stadium in DC. This is a live look at the Wilson building where hundreds of our neighbors have signed up to speak and they've been doing so for the past 6 hours and this hearing is still going strong. We've seen and we've heard a lot of passion in this room. Most speakers say they want the team back in the district. We can't quit. We won't quit. We never quit. Go Commanders. Now, some say DC could be getting more out of the deal and others believe it is simply the wrong use of taxpayer money. As the official television station of the Washington Commanders, we are covering this from all angles. Tonight, my co-anchor Lorenzo Hall has been at the Wilson
002building all day. And so, this is a really big day for people to feel like their voices are heard in a pivotal week where decisions will be made. >> Yeah, this is the first and only public hearing we're talking about here, Les. and uh people started testifying shortly after 11:00 this morning. You can you saw there at the bottom of your screen moments ago. They are still talking right now. We are on speaker uh 190 at this point. So yeah, a lot of people have a lot to say. They feel passionately about this on both sides. Yes, we know some people do want this. The commanders back in the district at that RFK stadium site, they feel like uh this would come along. This would bring uh city pride. It's about more than just that
003stadium. You're talking about a project that would drastically change that Ward 7 neighborhood and also impact our region. But then you have people who are speaking here today about a number of issues saying, you know, they're on the fence about this. They're not sure they want this stadium. They want a better deal for the city and district residents. >> And I really think the new RFK redevelopment site could provide more opportunities, not just for me, but for other artists um my age in DC and in W 8 especially and W 7. um just because there are so many of us and I think that since DC has such a strong identity and culture, it's important to uh cultivate that uh for youth and for other ages as well. >> Yeah. So, you know, a lot
004is on the line here. I want to bring in our Raphael San Cruz. You've been in that hearing room all day today. So, what are most people saying about this project? Well, right now is that we just heard over an hour of testimony from environmental advocates wanting the commanders to really commit commit to more protections for the environment spec specifically in W 7. But I'm seeing a lot of the conversation shift into how to get a better deal for DC and for Washingtonians and they're hoping that the DC council can pressure the commanders to get those uh improvements on paper before Friday's vote. This hearing concerns bill 26-288. >> More than 500 people signed up to give their input on the RFK stadium deal. >> I speak in support of Mayor Bowser's plan for the
005RFK stadium site. >> There are those who say it's a no-brainer, >> but I really would like to see my team back here so I can continue to support my team in my city where I was born and raised and where I grew up. >> It brings hope. It brings historic investment. And it brings generational opportunity. Let's not miss this moment. Let's not fumble the ball. On the DC council, opinions are also mixed. >> So far, it feels like this has been put together with the commanders been calling all the plays. And if we're going to do this, DC has to make the decisions. DC has to call the plays. >> Some still don't see how investing taxpayer dollars is the right call. >> It's unfortunate that something so positive for so many residents, the
006commanders returning to the district, is entwined with an enormous corporate subsidy. The opportunity cost to DC of this stadium and real estate giveaway far outweigh the benefits to the people of DC. >> And then there are those who want a better deal. >> As much as I love my team, I love my city, I do believe that if we don't get this right, our community is going to be sold out. >> So, what's a better deal? For some residents, it's investing in more public transit and less in parking. We are fighting so that Kingman Park does not become Kingman parking lot. >> For construction unions, it's about labor agreements. >> Specifically, the deal before the council still does not include construction and post construction labor agreements uh specifically for the two commercial parcels described in
007the term sheet. >> As a fifth generation Washingtonian and lifelong Commander fan, I understand the nostalgia. But I'm not here today as a fan. I'm here as a representative of the people. Zone, I think it's still unclear whether some of these suggestions and recommendations from the people will actually get to the commanders as part of the negotiations with Council Chair Mendelson as he kind of pushes this forward ahead of Friday's vote. >> Yeah, we know that Chair Mendlesson bought brought this much improved deal forward last week, but as of today in this vote on Friday, he still doesn't have the eight votes needed. >> Yeah, eight votes. And uh you heard it from Robert White there. He says he's undecided. He's still unsure and that's why he was listening to people. I guess we'll wait
008and see, but it really still is unclear who is on board. We know some people have been supportive since the beginning, but I think a lot could change the next couple hours and then tomorrow when we hear from the commanders and from Mayor Muro Bowser. >> Okay, we know that we have 503 people signed up to testify here today less and as of right now, we still haven't reached that halfway point. So, it will be a long night here at the Wilson building in downtown DC. I have to say it is so fascinating to hear all of the voices being heard in this conversation. It is a big big decision and the city and and the voices of people who live here and are invested in this city ought to have a role in it
009for sure. All right, you can watch the hearings right now on W USA 9 Plus. Download the free plus app on your TV. When you open it up, go to the live tile. You can watch these hearings uninterrupted. Zo just told you they're on speaker 190. They're going to 500, so you could be watching for a while.