Last night, Giant representatives presented to ANC 3C their proposal for a mixed-use development including a new Giant supermarket on Wisconsin Avenue. Approximately 75 people attended, and like the meeting in October, the room was sweltering. Critics, who seemed out outnumber supporters this time, focused on loading impacts and asked for more parking.

Giant has made some changes to minimize the impact of trucks servicing the supermarket. Residents of Idaho Avenue, which is primarily a residential street are concerned about the noise and traffic from these trucks. Giant proposes requiring the trucks to enter the loading facility via Wisconsin and Idaho Avenue (right side of the image below). Street-Works, the developer, will install a new traffic light at this intersection (which currently lacks a signal). It will also put in new crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety. Additionally, to improve traffic flow on this section of Idaho Avenue, Street-Works has been working with the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) to make Idaho Avenue a two-way street from Newark to Wisconsin Avenue. This section is currently a one-way street.

Despite concerns from residents on Idaho Avenue, it seems that worries about the impacts of trucks are overstated. Street-Works and its traffic consultant are making sure the geometry at the entrance of the loading dock will only allow turns onto Idaho toward Wisconsin Avenue, sparing residents on this street. The trucks going to and from the loading docks would pass the police station, the row of new townhouses, and a section that currently contains a multistory building and a surface parking lot. This will prevent the trucks from significantly impacting the existing single-family residences on Idaho Avenue.

Project opponents also objected to the amount of parking. The current Giant has a large surface parking lot. The proposed project would have two levels of underground parking, and reserve three spaces for a car-sharing program. Currently, many of the patrons at the nearby restaurants park on the Giant property. Someone said last night these establishments use 70 spaces.

There’s no need for 70 spaces dedicated only the restaurant, however. Opponents seemed unable to understand the concept of shared-parking arrangements. The retail component of the project on the south parcel will have parking available for patrons and customers. There is also parking available for the professional/office space on the second floor above this retail. The offices will use their spaces during the day, while the restaurants need parking in the evening.

Plus, as a concession to neighborhood residents, Giant will provide 30 free parking spaces in the South Parcel parking garage for customers of retail and restaurants along Wisconsin Avenue and Macomb Street. The representative from Street-Works said these spots will cost nearly $40,000 each, meaning Giant will spend over $1.5 million for this “benefit” to the community.

Unlike past Ward 3 development fights, there is a well-organized group of supporters organizing to in favor of this development. The main showdown will take place on February 19th, when the Zoning Commission takes up the case. The ANC will take a position on the project at its January meeting.