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Natwar M. Gandhi, Chief Financial Officer
Cost re-estimation study for baseball stadium
March 30, 2005

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Cover letter Cost Re-Estimation Study

March 30, 2005

The Honorable Anthony A. Williams 
Mayor of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 600 
Washington, DC 20004

The Honorable Linda W. Cropp 
Chairman
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 504 
Washington, DC 20004

Dear Mayor Williams and Chairman Cropp:

The Private or Alternative Stadium Financing and Cost Trigger Emergency Act of 2004 requires the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to re-estimate the land acquisition, infrastructure and environmental costs of the proposed N Street site for the new baseball stadium. The site is bounded by N Street, SE, Potomac Avenue, SE, South Capitol Street, SE, and 1St Street, SE. In December 2004, the CFO estimated these costs at $115 million, but qualified that the estimate did not include costs for environmental remediation or relocation of existing owners: The legislation states that if the re-estimated costs exceed the CFO's original estimate by $50 million (for a total of $165 million) a new site for the stadium would have to be identified.

As instructed by the Act, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) conducted a study to re-estimate the costs for land acquisition, environmental remediation, and infrastructure requirements. The study, based on data available through March 18, finds that the cost to the District to acquire roughly 13.8 acres of land, remediate the site, and provide Ballpark-related infrastructure improvements is approximately $161.4 million, including $11.9 million in contingency costs. Based on this finding, the site would be deemed "financially available" pursuant to the Ballpark Act.

As required by the Act, the cost re-estimation study:

  1. Provides separate appraisals of each parcel of land to be acquired, 
  2. Estimates environmental remediation costs, 
  3. Approximates legal expenses associated with land acquisition,
  4. Addresses the estimate for basic road and sidewalk improvements,
  5. Estimates the cost of expanding the Navy Yard Metro station to accommodate additional usage anticipated by the stadium, and
  6. Quantifies water and sewer relocation costs.

Since the Baseball Stadium Agreement defines infrastructure as the relocation of existing utilities and connection of new services, including water, storm, sewer, electric, and telephone, the CFO includes cost estimates from PEPCO, Verizon, and Comcast in addition to the Council's requirements.

The following table summarizes the results of the cost re-estimation study.

Summary of Findings Direct Costs (in million) Contingency (in millions) Total Estimated Cost (in millions)
Property Costs $77.1 N/A (see Land Acquisition section) $771
Environmental Costs $8.0 N/A (see Environmental Remediation section) $8.0
Infrastructure Costs $64.3 $11.9 $76.2
Total     $161.3

Land Acquisition

The proposed ballpark site consists of approximately 19 acres of land, of which the District already owns approximately 5 acres in roads and rights-of-way. The remaining 13.8 acres must be purchased from private landowners. The study identifies all of the privately owned squares and lots. These are assembled into economic units representing single or contiguous parcels with a single common owner. The economic units -are appraised at their highest and best use, adjusting for costs associated with demolishing existing structures and environmental remediation. The highest and best use takes recent zoning changes in the area into account.

The study also includes estimates of the cost to relocate existing businesses and indirect expenses such as legal/condemnation costs related to use of eminent domain. "Just compensation" for property taken by the government in a condemnation proceeding is the full money equivalent of the property taken. Courts adopt market value as a rough equivalent of value to the owner. For condemnation purposes, just compensation will not take into account any increase in the value of the land due to the announcement of the public investment in the stadium.

Environmental Remediation

The District does not yet control the site and therefore invasive environmental testing could not be done. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was performed in accordance with American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The analysis identifies current and past uses of the property as well as "recognized environmental conditions" observed at the site. The study was conducted through record reviews, site reconnaissance, and interviews. The cost of environmental remediation is estimated at approximately $8 million. If environmental remediation costs increase, offsetting adjustments to property costs can be made.

Infrastructure Improvements

The infrastructure cost estimate relies on the cooperation of various agencies currently providing utility service and roadway access to the site, including DDOT, WASA, WMATA, PEPCO, Comcast, and Verizon. The estimated total cost of Ballpark-related infrastructure improvements is $76.2 million, which includes $11.9 million (or 16%) for unidentified contingencies. The estimate includes $29.4 million to relocate a twelve-foot sewer tunnel running under the stadium site. However, it may be possible to design the Ballpark so that the tunnel does not have to be moved. The cost to protect the tunnel in lieu of relocation is $2.3 million. The estimate also includes $19 million to upgrade the Navy Yard Metro station and an estimate of $10 million from PEPCO for the removal and relocation of existing electric utilities.

Assessment of the Costs

The cost estimates are conservative. If a choice was made regarding a particular cost, the study includes the option encompassing the more robust scope of work. For example, the entire $29.4 million cost of moving the sewer tunnel is included. If the stadium can be designed around the tunnel, the new tunnel cost would be $2.3 million, which would reduce the total infrastructure cost to $49.1 million and bring the total estimated cost to $134.2 million. In addition, $19 million is included for the Metro station. It may be possible to provide the necessary improvements for substantially less.

The study finds that the cost to the District to acquire roughly 13.8 acres of land, remediate the site, and provide Ballpark related infrastructure improvements is approximately $161.4 million, including $11.9 million in contingency costs. Based on this finding, the site would be deemed "financially available" pursuant to the Ballpark Act.

Sincerely,
Natwar M. Gandhi 
Chief Financial Officer

Distribution List
Councilmember Carol Schwartz (At-Large) 
Councilmember David Catania (At-Large) 
Councilmember Phil Mendelson (At-Large)
Councilmember Jim Graham (Ward 1)
Councilmember Jack Evans (Ward 2)
Councilmember Kathleen Patterson (Ward 3) 
Councilmember Adrian Fenty (Ward 4)
Councilmember Vincent Orange (Ward 5)
Councilmember Sharon Ambrose (Ward 6) 
Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (Ward 7)
Councilmember Marion Barry (Ward 8)
Robert Bobb, Deputy Mayor and City Administrator 
Alfreda Davis, Chief of Staff to the Mayor
Arte Blitzstein, Budget Director, Council of the District of Columbia

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Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Government of the District of Columbia

Cost Re-estimation Study for Baseball Stadium

March 2005

Overview

  • In December 2004, the Council passed the Private or Alternative Stadium Financing, and Cost Trigger Emergency Act of 2004
    • Required the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to re-estimate the costs to the District for land acquisition and infrastructure and provide a report to the Mayor and the Council by May 15, 2005
    • If total amount of the re-estimated costs exceeds $165 million, the primary ballpark site is deemed financially unavailable and the Mayor and the Sports and Entertainment Commission must pursue replacement of the primary ballpark site with a substantially less costly site in the District, subject to approval of Baseball Expos, LP, or its successors

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Requirements of the Act

  • Land Acquisition cost re-estimate
    • Separate appraisals of each parcel of land to be acquired 
    • Estimate of the environmental remediation costs 
    • Legal expenses associated with land acquisition
  • Infrastructure cost re-estimate
    • Estimate for basic road and sidewalk improvements
    • Cost of expanding Navy Yard Metro station to accommodate the additional usage anticipated by the stadium
    • Water and sewer relocation costs

Proposed Ballpark Site

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Summary of Findings

Summary of Findings Direct Cost (in millions) Contingency (in millions) Total Estimated Cost (in millions)
Property Costs $77.1 N/A $77.1
Environmental Costs $8.0 N/A $8.0
Infrastructure Costs* $64.3 $11.9 $76.2
      $161.35

* The Infrastructure cost estimate includes $29.4 million for the relocation of a twelve-foot sewer tunnel running under the stadium site. If the Ballpark is designed so that the tunnel does not need to be moved, the cost to protect the tunnel is approximately $2.3 million, reducing the total infrastructure cost to $49.1 million, and the total estimated cost to $134.2 million.

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Land Acquisition

  • Proposed Ballpark site is situated on approximately 19 acres of land
    • The District would have to purchase 13.83 acres made up of 63 privately-owned parcels of land
    • Remaining 5 acres consist of District owned streets and rights-of-way
  • Land appraised at highest and best use as commercial property based on the rezoning of the area without regard to the District's public infrastructure project 
    • Eminent Domain
      • "Just compensation" for property taken by the government in a condemnation proceeding is the full money equivalent of the property taken
      • Courts adopt market value as a rough equivalent of value to the owner
      • For condemnation purposes, just compensation will not take into account any increase in the value of the land because of the public investment in the stadium
    • Study included estimates of related indirect expenses such as legal/condemnation costs related o use of eminent domain
  • Cost adjustments for demolition of existing structures and environmental remediation were applied where appropriate
  • Study included estimates to relocate existing businesses

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Land Cost Estimate - Summary

Market Value $73.68 million
Condemnation/Legal Cost Estimate $2.5 million
Business & Residence Relocation Cost Estimate $0.95 million
Total Land Acquisition Cost Estimate $77.1 million

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Land Cost Estimate - Detail

Unit Square Lot Property Address Land (SF) Bldg (SF) Building Type Current Use Market Value
1 702 106 7 N St SE 8,530   Vacant Land Vacant Land $1,169,210
702 807 N St SE
702 808 N St SE
702 826 1300 South Capitol St SE
702 859 South Capitol St SE
702 860 9 N St SE
702 861 11 N St SE
702 866 South Capitol St SE
702 869 N St SE
2 702 126 1352 South Capitol St. SE 4,376 3,639 Office/Street Level Retail Unknown 524,020
3 702 852 South Capitol St SE 1,682   Vacant Land Vacant Land 228,438
4 702 853 South Capitol St SE 1,331   Vacant Land Vacant Land 180,127
5 702 127 1345 Half St SE 20,070 19,867 Industrial Night Club 2,458,746
6 702 804 31 N St SE 8,857   Vacant Land Tow Truck Impound Lot 1,202,255
702 805 N St SE
702 845 25-29 N St SE
7 702 841 20 0 St SE 10,001 14,960 Industrial Warehouse "Bath House Chain" 1,109,921
8 702 846 1342 South Capitol St SE 17,994 2,944 Aamco Transmission Repair 2,335,099
9 702 851 South Capitol St SE 3,013   Vacant Land Vacant Land 449,934
702 857 South Capitol St SE
10 702 858 South Capitol St SE 1,345   Vacant Land Vacant Land 180,281
11 702 854 South Capitol St SE 1,331   Vacant Land Vacant Land 178,354
Unit Square Lot Property Address Land (SF) Bldg (SF) Building Type Current Use Market Value
12 702 856 South Capitol St SE 1,331   Vacant Land Vacant Land 178,354
13 702 855 South Capitol St SE 12,721   Vacant Land Tow Truck Impound Lot 1,901,189
702 868 South Capitol St SE
14 702 37 21 N St SE 5,799 3,500
Single-family Residential & Vacant Land Single-family Residential & Vacant Land 695,716
702 38
702 39
15 702 104 3 N St SE 3,072   Vacant Land Vacant Land 417,982
702 105 5 N St SE
702 867 N St SE
16 702 806 Half St SE 1,400   Vacant Land Vacant Land 178,541
17 702 862 13 N St SE 6,371 3,500 Single-family Residential Single-family Residential 210,159
18 702 863 15 N St SE Single-family Residential Single-family Residential 210,159
19 702 864 17 N St SE Single-family Residential Single-family Residential 210,159
20 702 865 19 N St SE Single-family Residential Single-family Residential 210,159
21 702 79 1315 Half St SE 23,088   Vacant Land Tow Truck Impound Lot or Junkyard 2,995,967
702 80 1315 Half St SE
702 81 1315 Half St SE
702 82 1315 Half St SE
702 83 1315 Half St SE
702 84 1315 Half St SE
702 85 1315 Half St SE
702 836 1315-1317 Half St SE
702 838 1315 Half St SE
Unit Square Lot Property Address Land (SF) Bldg (SF) Building Type Current Use Market Value
22 702 870 Half St SE 36,752 15,595 Industrial Warehouse w/ Office Large truck repair shop 4,407,569
702 871 1331 Half St SE
23 703 5 1338 Half St SE 9,588 16,591 Industrial Warehouse Artist Studio 999,363
24 703 6 Half St SE 19,176 25,344 Industrial Warehouse Unknown 2,255,579
703 7 1326 Half St SE
25 703 8 1318 Half St SE 9,588 9,340 Industrial Warehouse Car Repair Shop 1,203,681
26 703 53 60-80 O St SE 67,119   Paved Parking Lot Paved Parking Lot 9,071,213
27 703 54 1315 1st St SE 53,418 17,329 Industrial Warehouse Garbage Transition Sub-station 7,100,161
28 703 819 SE 24,651 15,601 Industrial Warehouse Appears vacant 3,382,914
703 821 65 N St SE
703 822 65 N St SE
29 704 11 1400-1430 South Capitol St SE 88,595 81,496 Industrial Warehouse Warehouse/office 10,204,967
30 705 15 60 P St SE 88,100   Asphalt Plant Asphalt Plant 9,865,002
31 706 802 South Capitol St SE 3,233   Vacant Land Vacant Land 298,213
32 706 806 31-41 P St SE 57,567 28,176 Industrial Warehouse Warehouse/office 6,264,294
706 807 24 Potomac Ave SE
706 808 South Capitol St SE
33 706 809 1522 South Capitol St SE 12,513   Vacant Land Vacant Land 1,404,871
OVERALL SUMMARY - Land Acquisition Cost Estimate    
Market Value $73,682,599
Add: Condemnation/Legal Cost Estimate 2,500,000
Add: Business & Residence Relocation Cost Estimate 950,000
Total Land Acquisition Cost Estimate $77,132,599

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Environmental Remediation

  • Conducted Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in accordance with the requirements of ASTM 1527 2000 (American Society for Testing and Materials)
  • Phase I ESA typically focuses on current and past uses of the property and the resulting assessment of the "Recognized Environmental Conditions observed at the site
  • Environmental site assessment was conducted through records review, site reconnaissance, and interviews
  • Total Cost $8.0 million

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Environmental Cost Estimate - Detail

Economic Unit Square Block Lot Property Address Assessed Owner Name Land (SF) Bldg (SF) Estimated Environment
al Cost
Soil Contamination
Cost Estimate
Remedial Cost Estimate
1 702 1 106 7 N St SE 1352-1354 Corporation 8,530   $4,842 $56,859 $61,701
       
702 1 807 N St SE
       
702 1 808 N St SE
       
702   826 1300 South Capitol St SE
       
702 1 859 South Capitol St SE
702   860 9 N St SE        
       
702 1 861 11 N St SE
       
702 1 866 South Capitol St SE
       
702 1 869 N St SE
2 702 1 126 1352 South Capitol St. SE 1352-1354 Corporation 4,376 3,639 $7,027 $29,169 $36,197
3 702 1 852 South Capitol St SE 1352-1354 Corporation 1,682   $3,069 $11,212 $14,281
4 702 1 853 South Capitol St SE 1352-1354 Corporation 1,331   $3,069 $8,872 $11,941
5 702 1 127 1345 Half St SE Robert Siegel Inc 20,070 19,867 $15,675 $133,781 $149,456
6 702 1 804 31 N St SE N Street SE Joint Venture LLC 8,857   $16,804 $59,038 $75,843
702 1 805 N St SE       $-
702 1 845 25-29 N St SE       $-
7 702 1 841 20 O St SE William Cohen Et Al 10,001 14,960 $17,239 $66,664 $83,903
8 702 1 846 1342 South Capitol St SE Richard A Biggs & Nancy S Biggs 17,994 2,944 $34,878 $119,943 $154,821
9 702 1 851 South Capitol St SE 1316 South Capitol LLC 3,013   $4,842 $20,084 $24,926
702 1 857 South Capitol St SE       $-
10 702 1 858 South Capitol St SE 1316 South Capitol LLC 1,345   $4,842 $8,965 $13,807
11 702 1 854 South Capitol St SE South Capitol Street JV 1,331   $4,842 $8,872 $13,714
12 702 1 856 South Capitol St SE South Capitol Street JV 1,331   $4,842 $8,872 $13,714
Economic Unit Square Block Lot Property Address Assessed Owner Name Land (SF) Bldg (SF) Estimated Environments
1 Cost
Soil Contamination
Cost Estimate
Remedial Cost Estimate
13 702 1 855 South Capitol St SE Donohoe Company Inc 12,721   $18,892 $84,795 $103,687
702 1 868 South Capitol St SE        
14 702 2 37 21 N St SE Kenneth B Wyban 1,933   $13,576 $12,885 $26,461
702 2 38 N St SE Kenneth B Wyban 1,933   $4,842 $12,885 $17,727
702 2 39 N St SE Kenneth B Wyban 1,933   $4,842 $12,885 $17,727
15 702 2 104 3 N St SE N Street LLC 3,072   $4,842 $20,477 $25,319
702 2 105 5 N St SE        
702 2 867 N St SE        
16 702 2 806 Half St SE Paka Inc 1,400   $4,842 $9,332 $14,174
17 702 2 862 13 N St SE George J Quinn Sr 6,371   $17,605 $42,467 $60,072
18 702 2 863 15 N St SE George J Quinn Sr        
19 702 2 864 17 N St SE George J Quinn Sr        
20 702 2 865 19 N St SE George J Quinn Sr        
Economic Unit Square Block Lot Property Address Assessed Owner Name Land (SF) Bldg (SF) Estimated Environmental
Cost
Soil Contamination
Cost Estimate
Remedial Cost Estimate
21 702 3 79 1315 Half St SE Federal Eagle Associates DC Ltd 23,088   $28,283 $153,899 $182,181
702   80 1315 Half St SE        
702 3 81 1315 Half St SE        
702 3 82 1315 Half St SE        
702 3 83 1315 Half St SE        
702 3 84 1315 Half St SE        
702 3 85 1315 Half St SE        
702 3 836 1315-1317 Half St SE        
702 3 838 1315 Half St SE        
22 702 3 870 Half St SE 1331 Half Street Corporation 36,752 15,595 $40,816 $244,979 $285,795
702 3 871 1331 Half St SE        
23 703 2 5 1338 Half St SE Patricia Ghiglino 9,588 16,591 $- $63,911 $63,911
24 703 2 6 Half St SE E M Warring 19,176 25,344 $59,144 $127,822 $186,966
703 2 7 1326 Half St SE            
25 703 2 8 1318 Half St SE Joseph Lukaesko 9,588 9,340 $47,885 $63,911 $111,796
Economic Unit Square Block Lot Property Address Assessed Owner Name Land (SF) Bldg (SF) Estimated Environment
al Cost
Soil Contamination
Cost Estimate
Remedial Cost Estimate
26 703 2 53 60-80 0 St SE SE Land Development Association 67,119   $32,918 $447,398 $480,315
27 703 2 54 1315 1st St SE WSI Acquisition Company 53,418 17,329   $356,070 $356,070
28 703 2 819 SE RLG Realty Company Inc 24,651 15,601 $35,030 $164,317 $199,347
      $-
703 2 821 65 N St SE
      $-
703 2 822 65 N St SE
29 704 3 11 1400-1430 South Capitol St SE Government Services Inc 88,595 81498 $176,955 $590,551 $767,507
30 705 1 15 60 P St SE Roubin Associates LLC 88,100   $1,299,530 $587,252 $1,886,781
31 706 3 802 South Capitol St SE William Martin (Square 706 LLC A DC LLC) 3,233   $39,273 $21,550 $60,824
32 706 3 806 31-41 P St SE Schroff Real Estate Co 57,567 28,176 $291,521 $383,727 $675,248
       
706 3 807 24 Potomac Ave SE
       
706 3 808 South Capitol St SE
33 706 3   1522 South Capitol St SE William LP Genstar Stout Products 12,513   $67,758 $83,408 $151,166
34           251,324     $1,675,260 $1,675,260
Totals           853,936   $2,310,525 $5,692,115 $8,002,640

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Infrastructure Improvements

Scope of infrastructure improvements determined through coordination with various agencies currently providing utility service and roadway access to the site

Estimate includes costs related to 

site utilities

sewer tunnel relocation/protection

roadway improvements

Navy Yard Metro Rail Station improvements

Estimate includes a contingency for unforeseen costs related to infrastructure improvements

The infrastructure cost assumes the relocation of the sewer tunnel at $29.4 million 

It may be possible that the Ballpark can be designed such that the tunnel does not have to be removed

The cost to protect the tunnel in lieu of relocation is estimated to be $2.3 million

Total cost of infrastructure improvements without tunnel relocation would be $49.1 million 

Total estimated costs for land acquisition, environmental remediation and infrastructure would be $134.2 million

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Infrastructure Improvements - Detail

Description Cost Estimate
Site Utilities - Inspection, testing, removal and the relocation of existing utilities on the footprint of the proposed site:  
Water, Gas and Storm Drainage: $3,201,074
Estimated cost provided by PEPCO: $10,000,000
Estimated cost provided by Comcast: $250,000
Estimated cost provided by Verizon: $1,500,000
Tunnel Protection - Relocate the tunnel & sanitary sewer lines under the footprint of the Baseball Stadium.. If the stadium can be designed so as not to impact the tunnel, the cost to protect the tunnel (in lieu of the relocation costs shown here) is estimated to be $2,275,207. $29,439,421
Roadway Improvements -- This is typical for Potomac Avenues, N Street and 1st Street up to M Street: demolition & roadway excavation, new sidewalk, new curb & gutter, new street lighting, trees, striping, milling of existing pavement, 2" overlay, and new drainage.  
1st Street SE Improvements (Between Potomac Avenue & M Street $5,683,541
N Street SE Improvements $3,020,252
Potomac Avenue SE Improvements $3,230,710
Navy Yard Metro Station - Improvements per Metro recommendations to accommodate approximately 15,000 passengers/hour, including adding fare gates and extending the mezzanine to accommodate increased passenger flow. Necessary scope of work was provided by WMATA. $19,892,647
Infrastructure Total $76,217,645

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Summary of Cost Re-estimation Study

  • Total projected costs of acquiring the land, environmental remediation, and infrastructure improvements are estimated at $161.4 million
  • Includes $11.9 million in contingency

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