Marine Barracks is this 1969 All Over Again?

We have all heard the story about the Marine Barracks on 8th SE.  So no need to bore you with the history of those barracks.  What I want to focus on is the expansion of the Marine Barracks south of the SW/SE Freeway.  Next to the CSX/Virginia Ave tunnel project this might be the second most contentious development issue south of the SW/SE Freeway.

What ever side you are on, you should read this article published by the Washington Post August 2 1969.  By 1969, the freeway had been constructed to 6th St SE (it would be a few more years before it would be finished) and the Marines were eyeing land just north of the freeway to expand their barracks.  Even in 1969 you had a NIMBY syndrome.  As you will read in the article the Marines choose that spot for a few reasons:  the land was cheaper, it would "break the integrity" of the historic barracks plus it was convenient for troop movement.  Now lets fast forward 41 years and read a letter from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.  You'll notice that in her letter the word 'convenience.'  So why, separated by 41 years is it that word still in this debate about the construction of barracks?  This time convenience may result in the loss of a community garden, (historic) homes and businesses.  Maybe Congresswoman Norton's letter will spur the Marines to develop a plan that looks for a different site that would retain the sense of community that has sprung up around the Va Ave park area in the last five years.  Or is this 1969 all over again?

The image above is actually two images - click on bottom image for article.
Published by Washington Post Aug 2 1969