ANC 6C P&Z Recap

Forgive the lateness of the recap, I typed it all out yesterday and then somehow deleted it..so here goes again!

The other night I had the pleasure of attending the ANC6C Planning, Zoning & Environment Meeting ably chaired by Rob Amos.  The informative Agenda included 3 items:

First was Loius Dreyfus/Center Place Holdings "Return to L'Enfant" AKA the 395 air rights project which is finally getting going. Rob A posted some summary in the comments to the meeting notice so i'll just add to that:

They submitted the PUD application for the first phase of development at the end of the year and will now be going through the process of scheduling the official ANC and Zoning hearings as well as working with the Federal Highway Authority on the project. It's an exciting development, planned to be LEED Platinum certified and will add commercial, retail, residential, and green space to what is now the I-395 cavern.

For history just google "395 air rights" - there is a lot of it...The PUD was submitted Dec 31st and the project will encompass the exposed stretch of 395 south of the Triangle bordered by 2nd, 3rd, D, & Mass ave NW.  As Rob said they are aiming for an impressive LEED Platinum standard with green roofs etc. + possible cogeneration.  The Federal Highway process & environmental assessment will run parallel to the PUD & zoning process which they expect to take about 1 year.  Public hearings should start around late spring/early summer. The proposed breakdown from Dreyfus (thanks!)... We are proposing to construct an approximately 2.2 million square foot mixed-use development, which consists of approximately 2 million square feet of commercial use (which includes approximately 75,000 square feet of retail) and 180,000 square feet of residential. One Committee member did remark how the conceptual design of the north elevation was reminiscent of Tech World, its has a similar element of 2 big buildings with a 3 story connection element - but with green space below instead of an expanse of concrete.  The whole shebang will be 12 stories encompassing multiple buildings.  there are some parcels that are existing which need to be dealt with.  The Jewish Historical society will be moved (again)...I'm not sure where.  The Holy Rosary Church - they will stay put and the developer is proposing to demolish and reconstruct their (noncontributing) rectory bigger and provide them with a rear open green space in fee which would be accessable from F street.  That is in negotiations.  The last issue is Georgetown Law which has an easement from the city for a park they maintain where the 100 block of F Street would be.  The City wishes to reopen that block to restore the grid but Dreyfus is not interested and Georgetown opposes this.  They have not taken a position on the project yet, probably because of this issue.  There was a rep from Georgetown but the Church was unable to come.  They will but at the full 6C commission meeting, we will be sure to confirm the location.  (Just want to add my 2cents and point out the project is accross the street from the 2nd & Mass Park...:)

Ok next up was Rappaport's H Street connection project on the south side of H Street NE bet 8th & 10th.  this is a 90ft 8 story project set 20 ft back from the 3-6 story varied height, color, configuration streetfront element which will replace this.  Its really very nice looking (and reportedly much improved), looks like a collection of nicely broken up warehouse/industrial buildings.  The design also includes 3 areas carved out for ourside cafe space.  this will be PUD - 52k sq ft retail/about 386 units residential with ample parking.  A rep from Stanton Park NA voiced concerns with regard to the size.  The developer has been working with the city to conform to the H Street Overlay guidlines.  The committee voted 4-0 in support contingent upon the plans conforming to the H Street (lower case) guidelines.

Last was a resolution proposed by ANC6C09 Commissioner Charley Docter to basicly request DC and/or the Federal Government reinstitute tax incentives for residential development in Mount Vernon Triangle, the NOMA BID & the Downtown BID.