The DC Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED) asked Capitol Hill community groups for their preference of Master Developer for the 67-acre Hill East Waterfront. Four Capitol Hill community groups responded to the OPED request and all four recommended the Hunt Development Group. The four community groups are ANC 6B, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, Friends of Kingman Park and the Hill East Waterfront Action Network.
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Re Hill East Waterfront Development
WHEREAS, the Hill East Waterfront development area, otherwise known as Reservation 13, is contained within the boundaries of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B; and
WHEREAS, the city’s recently revised Comprehensive Plan calls for redeveloping this 50-acre parcel “as a mixed use neighborhood that combines housing, office space, health care, civic, education, and recreational uses”; and
WHEREAS, the city’s approved Master Plan vision for the Hill East Waterfront calls for “an urban waterfront district that serves the District of Columbia and connects the surrounding neighborhoods to the Anacostia River via public streets and green parks” that “is pedestrian-oriented, has a human scale, and is a convenient, safe and pleasurable place to visit, work and play”; and
WHEREAS, the city has received proposals from four highly qualified development teams in response to a Request for Expressions of Interest; and
WHEREAS, all four development teams have had several opportunities to present their visions for Hill East Waterfront to the community including most recently at a community meeting on January 22, 2009 hosted by ANC 6B;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that ANC 6B strongly endorses HDG Partners (Hunt) and its vision for Hill East Waterfront; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission endorses the emphasis in the Hunt vision that this area should be at a density that is appropriate to the surrounding neighborhood and connects the neighborhood and Capitol Hill to the Anacostia River, with the objective of accentuating the residential character of the development both in the scale of its housing and the neighborhood-serving retail around the Metro stop;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission feels strongly that Hill East Waterfront not be permitted to become a further extension of the city’s downtown or the intense office and commercial model now under development throughout much of Near Southeast, Navy Yard, Southeast Federal Center, Ballpark areas; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission notes that all four of the teams have offered a variety of thoughtful and useful suggestions for this development, a number of which the Commission urges the city to investigate further, including moving the proposed civic park to the center of C Street and the extension of green space from the civic park toward the river, and introducing traffic control measures along 19th Street at the intersections with Burke and C Streets; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission urges the city to work with the chosen development team to find creative ways to manage the flow of additional cars into this section of Capitol Hill that will be generated by the Hill East Development so that the increased traffic and demand for parking does not unduly burden the surrounding neighborhoods; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission urges the chosen development team to work closely with the community as the development process evolves; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission also urges the chosen development team to work with the community to include, as part of the development, neighborhood-oriented recreation facilities and ample green spaces; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission authorizes the Chair to convey this resolution to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development by no later than Friday, January 30, 2009.
APPROVED at a special call meeting of ANC 6B, with a quorum present, by a vote of 7-0.
ATTEST:
Kirsten Oldenburg, Secretary Date: January 29, 2009
[The geographic boundaries of ANC6B are South Capitol St. on the west, East Capitol St. on the north, the Anacostia River on the East and on the south – M St. SE from 7th St. eastward, and the Southeast Freeway from 7th St west to South Capitol St.]
Capitol Hill Restoration Society
The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) recommends that Hunt Development Group (HDG) be selected as the Master Developer for Hill East Waterfront/Reservation 13.
Reasons:
1. HDG's plan is a continuation of Capitol Hill, with many 3 and 4-story buildings. For example, C Street, S.E. offers traditional three and four-story commercial buildings, of the type found on Capitol Hill, with the village square park in the
middle of the street, similar to Lincoln Park. As a result, HDG's plans call for building approximately 3 million square feet of new space. The other 2 competing developers which offered specific proposals, call for building approximately 5 million
square feet of new space.
2. Two of the developers on HDG's team have a good track record on Capitol Hill. Two members of HDG, EYA Development and Abdo Development, have worked successfully with the community on their previous Capitol Hill projects.
EYA - During its Bryan School project, EYA listened to community input at numerous meetings, and responded by making many of the design changes that the community wanted. The Bryan School townhouses are an example of new townhouses that really fit in with and complement the surrounding older rowhouses.
Abdo has done excellent work on the Bryan School and the Children’s Museum. Abdo voluntarily saved three unprotected older buildings on the Children’s Museum site,
and successfully integrated these buildings into the project. We believe that this further illustrates Abdo’s respect for the Capitol Hill community and its buildings. We believe that Abdo would do an excellent job with Anne Archbold Hall, a historic building.
Both Abdo and EYA have an excellent track record in our community for listening, responding positively to suggestions, and then keeping their promises. None of the other teams have members with this good record in our community.
Friends of Kingman Park
January 29, 2009
The Honorable Neil Albert
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Deputy Mayor Albert,
The Friends of Kingman Park would like to support the selection of HDG Waterfront Development Group to redevelop Hill East. The HDG plan conservatively meets the specifications of the solicitation for expressions of interest and adds an appealing focus on environmental sustainability. The plan’s lower density and apparent focus on integration with the scale of neighborhoods west of 19th Street NE are appreciated. The developers in this partnership are all proven entities with successful projects throughout the area.
We would like to see HDG allowed to expand the array of retail to not only serve the residents of the new community but to also serve those of us already here. We recommend more clarity about intermodal transportation options and specificity about support staff or businesses to implement the sustainability criteria and services.
All of the plans leave questions about the decision to build some of the largest structures either on or closest to both the area of landfill and the flood plains near the river. Is this the most stable option, aesthetic concerns about building height aside? The inclusion of features in the National Park land is also questionable. This area is not included in the land transfer and should be an entirely separate
conversation.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and offer input on this project.
Sincerely,
Mindy Mitchell, on behalf of
The Friends of Kingman Park
Cc: Genevieve Hanson, Development Manager
Office of Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development
Hill East Waterfront Action Network
January 27, 2009
The Honorable Neil Albert
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Deputy Mayor Albert,
I am writing on behalf of the Hill East Waterfront Action Network (HEWAN) regarding the selection of a Master Developer for the Hill East Waterfront. HEWAN is a membership organization which advocates for mixed-use redevelopment of the Hill East Waterfront and facilitates ongoing community input into the redevelopment process. Most of our members live in the Hill East neighborhood adjacent to the property or in the broader Capitol Hill community.
HEWAN strongly recommends that the city select HDG Waterfront Partners LLC (HDG) to develop the Hill East Waterfront. While all the proposals submitted in response to the Hill East Waterfront RFEI have positive aspects, we believe that HDG's proposal is the most consistent with the community's vision for the site, will provide the most benefit to the community and the District as a whole, and will best realize the potential of this beautiful waterfront location. Strengths of the proposal include the following:
· Project vision. HDG envisions a neighborhood that is truly compatible with surrounding neighborhood in character and scale, and capitalizes on those features that make Capitol Hill so attractive. As stated in the RFEI, goals of the Master Plan for the site include "to reconnect the Capitol Hill community to the Anacostia River" and "to weave the new development into the fabric of the existing Hill East community." HDG's vision for the site exhibits deep respect for the existing scale and character of Hill East and other Capitol Hill neighborhoods.
Because the Hill East Waterfront site is near the core of a metropolitan area and has excellent Metrorail access, smart growth principles would suggest that the density of the new development be higher than existing neighborhoods on Capitol Hill. At just over 3 million square feet, the HDG plan employs this smart growth approach, bringing taller buildings, more densely packed residents, and more urban streetscapes than presently exist in Hill East, Lincoln Park, Stanton Park, Eastern Market, or other Capitol Hill neighborhoods. But we also believe the HDG plan strikes a necessary balance. The new neighborhood would be dense enough to bring new vibrancy and new tax revenue but would not clash with the existing entirely low-rise residential neighborhood on the other side of 19th Street. In addition, the HDG plan would be less likely than other proposals to overload nearby thoroughfares and residential streets with traffic from the new development. Furthermore, we believe HDG's smaller buildings are more likely to be built as quickly as promised, especially in light of the overbuilt high-rise condominium market and generally challenging real estate environment.
We also have good reasons to believe that the HDG Waterfront Partners will create a new neighborhood that respects the existing aesthetics of the greater Capitol Hill area. EYA Homes and Abdo Development have completed a beautiful infill development at the nearby Bryan School site between Independence Avenue SE and South Carolina Avenue SE. Abdo has also completed world-class work at Senate Square (the former Children's Museum). These two builders have demonstrated that they care to construct historically-compatible modern buildings. HDG also has an excellent plan for Archbold Hall, returning it to its initial academic purpose by making it a school.
HDG's waterfront neighborhood will draw city residents to the site and down to the river. The team envisions a new C Street corridor that is similar in spirit to both 8th Street SE Barracks Row and to 7th Street SE at Eastern Market. The Hill East Waterfront's buildings will be taller and more people will live above the commercial enterprises along C Street, but the new Metro Plaza, Village Square, and Farmer's Market are likely to be similarly attractive places to live, visit, work, and shop. By placing most retail along an intimate new C Street as opposed to the grand boulevard of Massachusetts Avenue, HDG is also demonstrating a familiarity with and love of Washington, DC. Finally, we believe that the relocation of the modest-sized but central internal park (Village Square) to the middle of C Street is a stroke of design genius.
People choose to live in Capitol Hill – or to visit it for shopping or recreation – because it provides a small town atmosphere along with urban sophistication and amenities. In 2007, the American Planning Association selected the Eastern Market area as one of the top ten neighborhoods in the nation. To make the newest Capitol Hill neighborhood a financial success and a treasured city asset, its developers should leverage and extend the existing strengths of Capitol Hill.
· Sustainability. HDG envisions a new Hill East Waterfront that is truly sustainable. As stated in the RFEI, goals of the Master Plan for the site include "[creating] a model for sustainable infrastructure development."
We approve of the city government's wish to take maximum advantage of the huge opportunity that redevelopment of such a large parcel represents. As the nation's capital, the District of Columbia should be on the cutting edge of all development and building techniques and set an example for the rest of the nation. The coming green building revolution should not be an exception. HDG's approach to the sustainability challenge is world-class and sets its proposal apart.
HDG has partnered with One Planet Communities to learn from that organization's extensive international experience. HDG proposes to go far beyond requiring LEED certifications for new buildings. HDG is aiming for zero-carbon and zero-waste. HDG has already put a great deal of thought into making it easier for residents to live a green lifestyle. The inclusion of car sharing sites, community gardens, a power plant, an education center, a bicycling commuting center, and a farmer's marker are just some of the evidence that the HDG team understands sustainable neighborhood development principles.
· Benefits to the community and commitment to community involvement. In addition to the many benefits to the community discussed above, community benefits of the HDG plan include affordable housing, job creation, opportunities for local businesses, neighborhood-serving retail, open space for recreational activities, and a health center run by the well-respected D.C. Primary Care Association. In addition, a density level that is more compatible with the existing neighborhood would benefit the surrounding community by reducing adverse impacts such as increased traffic.
Finally, we are deeply impressed by HDG's commitment to incorporating the views of the community into its development plan. While formulating their RFEI response, HDG solicited input from local ANC members and other community representatives. The plan itself proves that HDG has been listening closely to the wishes that have been expressed by the community over the last 8 years. HDG partners EYA and Abdo also exhibited respect for community views when they redeveloped Bryan School. Throughout the planning and construction process, the two builders consulted with neighbors. This history, as well as HDG's detailed plan for ongoing community involvement, suggests to us that HDG will continue to solicit and respond to the input of the community as the Hill East Waterfront redevelopment moves forward.
For these reasons, we strongly urge you to select HDG Waterfront Partners LLC as the Master Developer for the site.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the responses to the Hill East Waterfront RFEI. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the city and the site developers as the project progresses to ensure that the community continues to play an integral role in shaping this exciting addition to the city.
Sincerely,
Alaine Perry, President
Hill East Waterfront Action Network
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment