[from Reyn Anderson]
I write to update everyone on the good news on the outcomes of the recent Historical Preservation Review Board (HPRB) and National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) hearings concerning the AFRH Master Plan for development. We have gotten very positive feedback from both places and feel a lot of momentum growing for creating significant park space for the surrounding neighborhoods as part of the plan. If you've been following events and thinking about getting involved, now's the perfect time. We've got a lot to do in the coming months to make this happen!
We had a significant turnout of residents at both hearings, with many people presenting testimony to the boards. Among the major issues touched upon were the historical value of the property, the environment concerns related to such large, dense development, the Home's statutory obligations that it has left unfulfilled, the lack of true public participation in the planning process and an overview of our alternative vision for meaningful park space in this part of the city. NCPC Commissioners in particular communicated to us that they were impressed with our group's motivation and organization; they also let us know that they liked our alternative vision for the creation of park space in this part of the city. If you haven't seen this, look in the AFRH Development listserv files by Hoffmann on 1/19 entitled 'Park Alt. 1' to get a sense of what we propose (you'll need to join to access Files).
The HPRB voted to endorse the recommendations of the Historic Preservation Office's staff report. (A copy is posted in the listserv files). In essence, the report finds many problems with the AFRH's proposed development plans from a historic preservation perspective and recommends significantly re-working it to take into better consideration the enormous historical value of the property. This includes re-evaluating proposed building heights and locations. In particular, it stated that zones 5 and 6 should be considered seriously for open park space.
The NCPC staff report (also posted on the listserv's files) also was very critical of the AFRH's plan in its present form and suggested that zones 5 & 6 should include park space. Their recommendations include limiting the density of construction to the "moderate" range outlined in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, limiting building heights and creating a 100-foot green "buffer" zone between any construction and the outside perimeter of the property. They said that the AFRH will have to present another draft of the plan before proceeding to any final approval. Several Commissioners spoke with some of us off the record to say that the Home also would need to make a showing of true financial need.
If you have not already done so, please join our listserv (link provided by Petworth News, see left sidebar - many thanks) and get involved.
Thanks, Reyn
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