News

New Ga Ave Overlay Helps Residents on Central Union Mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Alan Heymann
(202) 724-8031

December 13, 2006

Washington, DC – Large-scale development projects on Lower Georgia Avenue – including a possible move by Central Union Mission – are now subject to greater community review, under a recent zoning decision.

Last Monday night, the Zoning Commission “set down” for a hearing a zoning “overlay district” proposed by the Office of Planning for Lower Georgia Avenue. Because of this action, which took effect immediately, any project on a lot of 12,000 square feet or more in the overlay district (that does not already have building permits) will require a special exception from the Board of Zoning Adjustment. The BZA grants exceptions only after a public comment period that includes a public hearing. The overlay district would become permanent if approved by the Zoning Commission.

The proposed relocation of the Central Union Mission to 3510 Georgia is anticipated to be subject to the overlay restrictions.

“This is good news,” said Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One). “The Zoning Commission’s action means our residents who live on and around Georgia Avenue will have much more of a say in what happens there – and that includes community engagement on the Central Union Mission.”

The boundaries of the lower Georgia Avenue overlay district are Varnum Street on the north and Kenyon Street on the South.

For details of the overlay district, please click here.

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