Posts about Development
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Reactions from last night’s epic, historic, really godd*mn long DC Comp Plan hearing
Early this morning (3:41 am to be exact) the gavel banged on what proved to be a DC Council hearing of historic proportions. More than 275 witness were signed up to testify about amending the DC Comprehensive Plan, the second-most witnesses ever in the history of DC Council hearings. Keep reading…
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See details for Union Station’s future expansion
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is continuing to refine plans for the future of Union Station, which include preserving historical elements, facilitating inter-modal travel, and expanding rail capacity. On Thursday, March 22 the FRA is hosting a public meeting on the project’s Environmental Impact Statement. Keep reading…
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Friday is the last day to sign up. Will you help shape the Comp Plan?
We could have a better Comp Plan that embraces the changes needed to house a growing population, but also takes steps to ensure we have enough affordable housing and protections against displacement. Help us push for that kind of Comp Plan on March 20. Keep reading…
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Whoever shows up March 20 will affect the future of DC
We don’t often ask GGWash readers from DC to come out to DC Council hearings, but we are now. We need you to advocate for more affordable housing and protections from displacement in the city's Comprehensive Plan. Keep reading…
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This Bloomingdale historic district survey shows neighborhood opposition
The survey comes in the middle of a multi-year debate in the neighborhood over this issue, a debate that has only intensified since this summer when a group of neighbors partnered with the DC Preservation League to formally file an application for historic designation. Keep reading…
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Why the Office of Planning likes PUDs (and why you should too)
Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) are a particular development process in DC where an applicant can receive zoning flexibility and relief in exchange for a set of community benefits negotiated with the city and the neighborhood. PUDs have helped create affordable homes in the city. Keep reading…
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A fix or a setback? DC may strip tenant purchase rights from all single-family homes
A new bill introduced by councilmember Anita Bonds would exempt single-family homes from the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). Realtors say that's necessary to prevent abuses, while tenant advocates say it will harm vulnerable populations. Keep reading…
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“Who is steering the ship?” The DC Council debates planning and zoning for six hours
Last week’s hearing was dominated by the Office of Planning’s recently-released amendments to the Framework Element of the Comprehensive Plan, which lays out the direction for development in the city for years to come. Keep reading…
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One million Washingtonians is a future to embrace, not to fear
The new Comprehensive Plan is DC's chance to pivot away from exclusion and denial, and towards a future of inclusive growth. To get there requires acknowledging and understanding that places, like people, grow and change. Keep reading…
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Is anything old not “historic”? Preservation doesn’t have a good answer
The historic preservation office doesn't seem willing to reckon with the fundamental question about whether everything — regardless of merit — ought to be historically designated, or how to balance preservation against other needs. Is every story, about everything, worth preserving? Keep reading…