Zoning Commission Reviews JBG PUD at 13th and U

On Monday night, March 4, the Zoning Commission reviewed the proposed PUD project by JBG at 13th and U and recommended that some additional work be done to answer questions they had regarding the bulkiness of the roof, construction management plan, effects on the neighboring building to the west, retail window details, LEED checklist, business relocation plan,  bikesharing plan details, and examples of successful RPP limitation requirements in other projects in the District.

Neighboring residents and business owners testified that they are going to be impacted by this large project and asked the Commissioners to consider and address their concerns.  The Commission will revisit the project again in April.

Street Sweeping Resumes March 4

Heads up, car owners and vehicle operators: DC’s Residential Street Sweeping Season gets underway once again beginning March 4.  Signs are posted that identify the days of the week and hours of the day when parking restrictions will be enforced so the sweepers can clean the streets effectively.

Parking enforcement of residential sweeping violations will begin Monday, March 11, to give motorists a few days to get used to the parking restrictions.  Tickets for violations will run you $30–and that doesn’t count the cost of your car being towed, if you are so unfortunate.  Street sweeping season continues through October 31.

Whitman-Walker "Pillar of Fire" Memorial Installed

I am pleased with the "Pillar of Fire" memorial installation in front of the former Whitman-Walker Clinic at the corner of 14th and S.  Having lived through the AIDS crisis here in DC, it's important to never forget the establishment of this clinic.  The building has been purchased and redeveloped by the JBG Companies as apartments.  I can't wait to see the memorial lit up at night for all to see who visit our neighborhood and our nightlife venues.

Garrison Elementary to Remain Open

I am pleased to share good news with you about the Garrison Elementary School...it is staying open!  Many thanks to Chancellor Henderson who listened to community leaders, including 2 ANCs, and parents and teachers.  Also thanks to Council Member Jack Evans who actively supported keeping this school open.

JBG Presents Revised Facade Designs

The JBG Companies presented revised facade plans to the community at several forums this month.  You may link here to their site to view the revisions.  They are responding to comments made by the HPRB Board members who cited several concerns regarding the proposed facades for the PUD at 13th and U Streets.  Their representatives noted that the 13th Street side of the building had been trimmed after the board suggested that the building should step down to the residential 13th Street.  In addition, the affected residents along Wallach Place have expressed their concerns about the rear of the building which they will have to face once the project is completed and the board also shared their concern.  JBG architects have made some adjustments to the rear facade to reflect these concerns.  And last but not least, the HPRB spoke at the December hearing about the U Street facade at street level needing to be broken up so that it is not such a long stretch of flat surfacing.

The next hearing of the HPRB to review this project has not been scheduled as of this date.  Their report on the details of their decision following the December hearing follows:   The HPRB directed the applicants to: 1) continue studying the height, massing, setbacks and reveals, along the perimeter of the building and particularly on the north elevation; 2) revise the 13th Street elevation to better address the scale of buildings across the street and on Wallach Place; 3) provide further detailing to the retail base; and 4) further differentiate the retail and residential entrances. Vote: 6-0 (Casarella recused, Ally absent).

The PUD application is scheduled to be reviewed by the Zoning Commission on March 4. 

CM Evans Thanks Commissioners

At our December ANC meeting, Councilmember Jack Evans thanked me and the outgoing Commissioners for doing a great job serving the Dupont Circle community.  Jack gave each of us a Proclamation from the DC Council acknowledging our service (pictured at left).  I was previously honored by the Commissioners who appointed me as the ANC's Chairman Emeritus, after having served as Secretary, Vice Chair and Chairman for several terms.

I look forward to working with the new Commissioners, including Noah Smith who is succeeding me as our representative for SMD 2B09.   It was an honor and a privilege to have served as your representative for the past decade...your first Commissioner after our Single Member District was redistricted from Ward 1 to Ward 2.

I have developed some wonderful relationships with  community leaders, neighbors, and businesses in our neighborhood and the DC Government and I hope to continue my efforts to improve our quality of life here in 2B09.  See you in the neighborhood!

DC Center Slated for Reeves Center

I am pleased to announce that the DC Center is moving into the Reeves Center at 14th and U after negotiations with a proposed restaurant have failed.  The ANC supported the intent of the DC Center to locate at the Reeves Center but then learned that a restaurant had been selected to occupy the available space.  The DC Center is celebrating its Tenth Anniversary and I am glad that they will be part of the municipal center serving the LGBT residents of the District.  Click here to review their 10 year timeline. 

Congratulations and Good Luck in your new location!