Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 8F met on Oct. 15. Commissioners Nic Wilson (8F01, treasurer), Brian Strege (8F03, secretary) and Edward Daniels (8F04, chair were in attendance. Rick Murphree (8F02, vice chair) was absent. SMD 8F05 is vacant.
DC Office of Planning (OP) Development Review and Zoning Review Specialist Karen Thomas and Associate Director, Development Review Joel Lawson shared plans for the zoning of Navy Yard East. This is the un-zoned parcel owned by the US Navy at the southeast corner of the Navy Yard adjacent to the 11th Street Bridge. The Navy plans to lease the property to private developers.
The stakeholders have requested a map amendment from the DC Zoning Commission (DCZC). The project incorporates 2.05 million sq. ft. of mixed-use development. This includes 1700 residential units, 100,000 sq. ft. of neighborhood-serving retail, 1,550 sq. ft. of parking and a 75-foot waterfront setback for the Anacostia Riverwalk.
The DCZC will conduct a design review. The project will meet the requirements of Inclusionary Zoning (IZ). There will also be a set aside for affordable housing for veterans. The stakeholders have requested up to a 130 ft. allowance with a seven-foot Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for the mixed use sections as well as an eight ft. FAR residential sections and 80 percent lot occupancy.
The National Capitol Planning Commission (NCPC) approved the Master Development Plan last May. The stakeholders have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. On Sept. 12, the DCZC held a set down meeting concerning the project.
Chair Daniels termed simple compliance with IZ inadequate given the other sections of the Yards that incorporate 20 percent. This he suggested is a more reasonable level. He also requested all parking be reserved for neighborhood residents and employees. The project should incorporate no stadium, he said. Wilson concurred. Daniels asked for the incorporation of children’s play space.
Are there any home ownership opportunities? Daniels asked. There will be, Thomas stated, especially for veterans. All zoning is being coordinated with Bridge Park, she also stated.
New No Parking Signs
The DC Dept. of Transportation (DDOT) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for Stadium Zone Signage, Parking Restrictions on South Capitol Street, SE. Chair Daniels pointed out that existing game day parking restrictions are seldom enforced against neighborhood visitors. Rather, it is residents that are mainly inconvenienced.
Treasurer Wilson echoed the chair’s observation concerning the lack of enforcement. DDOT’s effort to reduce parking requirements in new buildings and removing parking spaces for bike lanes had further aggravated the situation for residents, he said.
“It is frustrating for my neighbors having to park at Eastern Market to accommodate game day visitors from Virginia,” Wilson stated. “People from faraway have a much easier time parking in our neighborhood.” The commission voted to send comments to DDOT regarding the NOI incorporating these complaints.
Other Matters
Metropolitan Police Dept. (MPD) Captain Adam Crist briefed the commission on public safety. Crime is down substantially across the District, he said. In the Navy Yard, however, there is an ongoing issue with theft from automobiles parked in residential garages that are not well secured. Residents should pressure the management of these apartments to improve security, he said.
The commission voted to protest a substantial change to the liquor license held by The Cove at 71 Potomac Ave. SE permitting DJ’d music.
The commission voted to protest a license for Taqueria Xochi at 300 Tingey St SE in the absence of a community agreement.
ANC 8F’ s next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19 at DDOT headquarters, 250 M St. SE, at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.anc8f.org.
