Hoffman-Madison, developers of The Wharf project along the waterfront in Southwest D.C., gave a three-projector presentation to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D. They showed their plans for the new St. Augustine Episcopal Church, the apartment building south of it, and the Waterfront Park at the ANC meeting July 9.
The apartment building is four stories tall. However, offices, residential and theater buildings to be built between the Fish Market and 7th Street along the waterfront were presented earlier. These are 12 story buildings with penthouses, 146 feet tall, covering most of the area.
Richard Westbrook, a former elected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, commented that in 2003 testimony he had suggested limiting building heights to 90 feet or less. He had also recommended limiting infill buildings between 90-foot towers to secure views from Maine Avenue to the Channel and East Potomac Park. He said the initial proposals for The Wharf agreed with this.
Gene Solon also commented that on June 28 Commissioner Westbrook submitted written testimony to the Zoning Commission recommending that it limit building heights to 90 feet or less so that Banneker Overlook and Harbour Square view sheds are preserved, and so that traffic congestion is mitigated.
- The D.C. Zoning Commission will meet July 23 and 31 at 6:30 p.m. at 441 4th St. NW, by the south Judiciary Square Metro station exit, for hearings on the development. The public is invited to attend and testify.
- Southwest’s ANC will have a special meeting July 25 at 7 p.m. at 1100 4th St. SW, in the second floor conference room, to formulate its position on The Wharf. The next regular meeting of the ANC is Sept. 10 in the same place.
- The ANC commissioners authorized Cara Shockley to represent them at the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts at their meeting on The Wharf.
The commissioners supported closing some of the streets of Southwest for the Navy Air Force Half Marathon and Navy 5-Miler race and the So Others May Eat walk. Several of these come up at each meeting. The Southwest is cut off by these events.
The Nationals
The Nationals team has been having a great season. There was standing room only on July 3. They had an agreement with the city to use unoccupied land for up to 3,775 parking places. This agreement expired this year. They asked the ANC to write a letter to the city endorsing their request for a five-year extension. They hope that, when the area around the park is developed in office buildings with underground parking, they can arrange to lease the spaces during games and provide enough parking. They do promote using public transit to get to the games. The ANC agreed, six to none, to support them.
Lansburgh Park
Lansburgh Park will show free movies on Mondays Aug. 13 and Sept. 10, beginning at 8:30.
Southwest’s ANC agreed to write a letter of support for a Community Garden at Lansburgh Park. It will be smaller than the proposed dog park, but it will have 40 or 50 plots for individual gardeners. Amidon school students have been gardening on the St. Matthews lot on M St.
The ANC also agreed to write a letter of support for The Southwest Unity Forum Group to provide a program celebrating Summer in Lansburgh Park on Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. About 1,500 participants are expected. Horse rides, bingo, and a battle of Southwest Disc Jockeys will be among the attractions.
–By B. K. Lunde