Final Public Hearing March 8
Speak up for redevelopment of the old Buick site

Your voice is needed to support an exciting redevelopment project on Wisconsin Avenue! The DC Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposal to redevelop the used car lot (the Buick site) at 5220 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, on Thursday, March 8.

If approved, the project will be an important first step toward redeveloping Upper Wisconsin Avenue and will set a high bar for future redevelopment. We have worked hard over the past year to improve the project and ensure that our community receives maximum benefit from this development.

Public comments carry significant weight with the Zoning Commission, so it is critical that residents and people who work in Ward 3 speak up. If you have any questions or want suggestions for writing your letter, please contact me.

Before and After photos
What is the proposal?
Community benefits from the project
Express your support
Links to more information

5220 Wisconsin today (often called the Buick site)	Akridge's rendering of the new building

What is the proposal?
Akridge, a DC-based development company, is proposing a new mixed-use building on Wisconsin Avenue, NW, between Harrison and Jenifer Streets. The building will be approximately 300 feet from the Friendship Heights metro station. (See map)

We have worked with the developer for the past year to ensure that our community receives maximum benefit from this development and that the building's design adds to the vitality of Wisconsin Avenue. The merits of the proposal have been recognized by the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Washington Smart Growth Alliance.

The public hearing on March 8 is our final chance to weigh in on the proposal. After the public hearing, the Zoning Commission will consider public comments and vote on the proposal (generally within a few months).

Benefits to Our Community

• A revitalized, safer block to walk along just steps from the Metro

• New neighborhood-serving shops or a restaurant where we can take our kids and bump into our neighbors (not destination retail like Mazza Gallerie)

• A precedent-setting green building that will be DC's first green-certified residential building. Storm water filtration and a green roof are among the eco-friendly features

• Improvements to the Pepco façade; Akridge is proposing to remove the bricks from the Pepco façade windows to showcase local art and community announcements

• Fewer curb cuts on Wisconsin Ave; currently there are several driveways at the site that cause cars to make turns off Wisconsin, but Akridge will remove these driveways

• Public car sharing; two underground parking spaces will be designated for carsharing vehicles available to the public;

• A balance of housing choices in Ward 3; approx. 7% of the condos will be designated as affordable housing units

• New residents who will have easy access to public transportation; any residents with cars will park in an underground garage and will not be allowed to get residential parking permits. Bicycle facilities and showers will also be built for residents and retail employees.

Show Your Support

To speak at the hearing: We recommend you sign up in advance by calling Donna at 202-727-0789. You can also show up at the hearing and be added to the list.

To send comments:

1. Write a short letter to the Zoning Commission by March 8. This is the most important thing you can do! Include your name, address, and case #06-31. Fax to 202-727-6072 or mail to Zoning Commission, 441 4th St NW, Room 220 South, Washington DC 20001.
2. Send a quick email to our elected officials. The Mayor, City Council, and Office of Planning need to know there is public support for this project.

More Information

Questions? Please contact Rebecca.
Akridge's website for 5220 Wisconsin
DC Zoning Commission
Watch the hearing online

Speak at the public hearing on March 8

It is critical that Ward 3 residents speak at the public hearing. The Zoning Commission will carefully weigh comments from Ward 3 residents.

Zoning Commission Public Hearing
Thursday, March 8
Starting at 6:30 PM
441 4th Street, NW, Room 220 South
Metro: Judiciary Square

To speak at the hearing
Sign up that night, or
call Donna at 202-727-0789
to be added to the list in advance (recommended).

You will have approximately 3 minutes to speak. Citizen comments will likely begin after 7:30 PM.

Send your comments to the Zoning Commission

It is critical that you submit comments before Thursday, March 8 to be added to the public record. It's okay to keep your comments brief. (Sorry, the Zoning Commission doesn't accept emails!)

Be sure to include your
name, address, and case #06-31

Send by fax
202-727-6072

Send by mail
Zoning Commission, re: Case 06-31
441 4th St NW, Room 220 South
Washington DC 20001

Tell our city leaders
Tell the Mayor, City Council, and Office of Planning there is public support for
redevelopment along Upper Wisconsin Avenue.