The one thing I’ve not seen in the discussion about the DMV site is the repercussion of having a real job generation center on this property.
Historically, the original state fairground was near there. Then, there was the hospital for the state militia which evolved into the Old Soldier’s Home. This was later replaced by the current DMV structure.
Over time, the east side plantations were replaced by the freedman’s villages, and now there is the present housing stock.
So, if (and this is a big if) the DMV site is repurposed as another employment center, like a life sciences tech hub. What’s to keep it contained on that super block, and not morph out to swallow up the neighboring residential mass? Nothing like success begetting success.