The Mount Vernon Square neighborhood has experienced tremendous change over the past few years. The opening of the new Washington Convention Center and the ground breaking of City Vista are two important engines that continue to push redevelopment and change in this historic neighborhood.

"Its been over three years since the March 12, 2003 grand opening of the new Washington Convention Center, and although this building holds its own in a city noted for its many monuments - it has proven to be a monument to opportunity helping to strengthen our community, benefit our citizens, enhance civic life and promote economic growth in DC," Evans said. "The District attracts three million visitors annually injecting more than $650 million each year into our economy. Feel the greatness, you bet. I am still impressed."

While the Convention Center is important for tourism to DC, Jack constantly reminds the Washington Convention Center Authority (WCCA) it needs to remain cognizant of the surrounding neighborhoods. He introduced legislation to reconstitute the Washington Convention Center Authority Advisory Committee whose purpose is to advise the Authority with respect to the needs of the community, parking issues, transportation issues and other issues directly related to the Convention Center, which affect the surrounding community.

During construction, Jack listened to the needs of the community and created the Convention Center Area Parking Task Force. The Task Force held regular community meetings designed to obtain community feedback, disseminate information, and incorporate community concerns and desires into City plans relating to parking and traffic. Many recommendations of the Task Force were incorporated into the City's parking plan and the Task Force's work proved invaluable.

On October 16, 2003 the Committee on Economic Development of which Jack is a member, held a public hearing to receive testimony on Bill 15-427, "Washington Convention Center Term Limit Amendment Act of 2003". In his opening statement, Jack expressed, "I am working hard to make the new Convention Center a success and eliminating term limits is a proper action since the District government has eliminated them in most other areas. Keeping the institutional knowledge of the board is crucial and would allow for the continuity of experienced Board members' oversight and management. After hearing from the public on this matter, I believe public opinion makes this an appropriate action by the DC Council."

Bill 15-427 amended the Washington Convention Center Authority Act of 1994 to eliminate the limit on consecutive terms served by a member of the Board of Directors. The WCCA, established in 1994 as an independent agency of the District, is governed by a nine member board of directors with the purpose of operating the old Washington Convention Center site and to "acquire, construct, equip, maintain and operate" the new convention center.

The newest ceremonial shovel and hardhat added to Jack's collection is from the groundbreaking of the Old Wax Museum site (Fifth, L and K Streets, NW) renamed, City Vista. Joining Jack at the October 3, 2005 event were Mayor Williams, Councilmember Ambrose, National Capitol Revitalization Corporation executives, Lowe Enterprises, area ANC Commissioners and a host of community and business leaders in welcoming this long awaited development.

"In 1999 representatives from Lowe Enterprises met with me to discuss an exciting development, which included housing, retail and most importantly, a full service grocery store on the site of the Old Wax Museum," Evans said. "Their presentations included a 55,000 sq foot Safeway and 685 units of housing, which included some rentals and condo's. I explained there had to be an affordable housing component and now appropriately, 20% across the board of the housing will be affordable.

"The dream has become reality and this project, with its grocery store and other retail, will be an added plus for the surrounding community. I want to add my congratulations, but also want to stress the importance of utilizing the local labor force. I have no problem with nationally recognized developers, but it is critical our residents partake in the redevelopments of their communities."

In addition to Lowe Enterprises, CIM GROUP, Bundy Development Corporation and The Neighborhood Development Company will develop the $200 million City Vista project. The retail aspect of the project includes a Safeway, Starbucks, Bergmann's Dry Cleaners and SunTrust Bank.