Next Steps: Board of Zoning case # 21065 -the proposed apartment building development between 2 single-family homes at 6108 13th Street
- Kim Patterson
- Apr 25, 2024
- 2 min read
Hi Brightwood:
On March 20, 2024, the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) held its first Virtual Public Hearing on Application #21065, located at 6108 13th Street, a request from the developer, Thirteenth 202, LLC for a Special Exception to build a 26-bed apartment building between two single-family homes on the 6100 block of 13th Street between Rittenhouse and Fort Stevens Drive. At the end of the hearing, the BZA did not rule on the applicant's request and instead ordered a continuance on April 10 for a Limited Scope
Hearing to discuss:
Views from proposed balconies
Context with adjacent properties nearby and in an alley
Proposed security measures
Proposed rodent mitigation
Proposed construction management plan
On April 10, 2024, the BZA held its second Virtual Public Hearing on Application #21065 and discussed the 5 above issues with me, the affected parties (abutting homeowners), and the developer. During the hearing, there was a lot of discussion and back and forth between the BZA, myself, the affected parties, and the developer. I testified along with members of the affected parties that the developer failed to resolve/improve the 5 issues of the Limited
Scope Hearing stating:
The balconies still loom over the homeowners' properties and have sightlines into the abutting homes next door and in the adjoining alley. The developer simply submitted drawings showing the balconies partially enclosed, which does not resolve privacy issues of abutting homeowners.
The developer failed to provide an appropriate security plan for the proposed apartment building and offered only cameras and locks at the property, which is inadequate security for 26 tenants, their guests, and delivery drivers. I requested onsite security and/or onsite property management. Furthermore, I requested that the front door of the building be moved from the side of the building to the front of the building on 13th Street. A side entrance creates an adverse impact on the abutting homeowners and creates numerous security concerns.
The developer failed to provide an aggressive rodent management plan and instead provided a basic plan that would not address the rodent infestation already in the alley. Simply put, the Rittenhouse/Fort Stevens alley does not need another commercial dumpster and cannot accommodate another.
The developer's proposed construction management plan is concerning because of the tightness and closeness of the construction zone to abutting homeowners. I stated that I was concerned that pedestrian and vehicle access to the alley may be blocked which would prevent homeowners from parking in the rear of their homes and from entering/exiting their homes.
BZA case #21065 was closed after the April 10th hearing. The third and final BZA hearing will be held on May 1 at 9 am, at which time the BZA will rule on the developer's request for a special exception. I will send an update to the community on May 1 after the hearing.
I deeply thank the MANY neighbors who signed the Opposition Petition, submitted opposition letters, and testified at the hearings. I also thank CM Lewis George for submitting an opposition letter to the BZA and the 4A Commission opposing this proposed development.
Exhibits (dc.gov) - View opposition letters, resolutions, developer plans and statements, and other documents in the BZA file for #21065. There are 90 documents on file, and I have read all of them.
My best,
Commissioner Kim Patterson
ANC 4A05, Brightwood Neighborhood
