Major Components of Proposal

1) Allows overlay for higher density mixed use development in residential zones- R-5-D & R-5-E, “in the interest of economic development.”

2) Requires 50% ground floor commercial for any building that is newly constructed or undergoing substantial rehabilitation. Allows for 57 different types of businesses. Applies primarily to multi-unit residential buildings.

3) Allows for up to 33% of the gross building area for commercial purposes. Banking and financial services cannot exceed more than 25% of this commercial area.

4) Commercial uses of less than 10,000 sq.ft. shall not be subject to parking requirements.

5) Maximum permitted lot occupancy shall be 80% but exceptions can be granted for ground floor areas.

6) These special overlay exceptions can be granted by the Zoning Commission without normal public hearing or ANC review.

7) Hearing record open for comments until December 11: Mail Letters To: Secretary of Zoning Commission, Office of Zoning, Suite #210, 441 4^th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Residential Apartment Areas that could be Affected

Connecticut Ave. from Chevy Chase to Kalorama

Wisconsin Ave. from Cathedral Heights to Glover Park

Foggy Bottom area especially SE of Washington Circle

West End Area

Adams Morgan along Columbia Road

SW-Carrolsburg Square Area

16^th Street from Mt. Pleasant to Dupont Circle

Thomas Circle area

Howard University/Le Droit Park area

O Street Market area in Shaw

Areas of Opposition to Raise

1. Proposal would lead to displacement of thousands of tenants from rent -controlled apartments. New zoning overlay would encourage owners of such buildings to sell to developers. Newly constructed buildings would be exempt from rent control and would presumably use luxury prices. Income mix of neighborhoods would be dismantled to instead favor wealthier residents. Part of the Mayor’s plan for 100,000 new residents? The issues of displacement and affordable housing were not addressed. Proposal could lead to an overall reduction of city residents. Conflicts with city’s comprehensive plan to provide affordable housing.

2. Proposal would drastically change residential density mix of neighborhoods. Would create serious traffic congestion problems affecting all residents in impacted areas as well as DC commuters.

3. Significant empty retail space exists in city now. Businesses should be encouraged to use this space. Lack of access to retail is not an issue in the impacted areas. Proposal would encourage conversion of residential units to commercial purposes and growth of transient, high-priced corporate housing.

4. City zoning officials made outreach presentations to industry groups but not affected neighborhoods or housing organizations that aid tenants. Concerns about lack of citizen review process. No zoning hearing will occur for overlay unless exception is requested. Developers could bypass community opposition.

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