Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C met on Sept. 11 via WebEx. Commissioners Christy Kwan (6C01), Leslie Merkle (6C02, secretary), Jay Adelstein (6C03), Mark Eckenwiler (6C04, chair), Joel Kelty (6C05, treasurer), Patricia Eguino (6C06) and Commissioner Tony Goodman (6C07, vice chair) were in attendance.
The owner of 627 A St. NE is planning to convert a single floor garage into a dwelling with a second story addition. The plan requires the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) to grant special exceptions to the zoning requirements for lot occupancy, building area, maximal principle dwelling unit and accessary building use.
The proposed height of the addition raised neighbor’s concerns about its impact on the light, air, privacy and greenery. They also expressed frustration about a lack of due notice regarding the home owner’s application for the project.
Nine community spoke in opposition. Neighbor Jessica Smith, who shares a fence with the applicant, questioned the necessity of “busting through four big regulations aimed at protecting residents and the broader community” for the renovations. “It’s a huge loss of light, it’s a loss of airflow, it’s a loss of privacy, it’s a loss of green space next to me,” she said.
The applicant is “completely misrepresenting” project plans, said neighbor Allison. She echoed Smith’s concerns about privacy. “There is no precedent for such a large expansion, the shade impact, the impact on greenery and the cooling system that is local to that area,” she stated.
The applicant disagreed. “I think there’s a lot more drama than is actually relevant here,” she said. She plans to use the structure for housing a family member. “It’s going to use housing for what housing is meant to be, which is places where people can live,” she said.
The property owner is “asking too much,” stated Commissioner Adelstein. “It does have a deleterious effect on the neighbors,” he said, noting that the ANC’s communication with the zoning board should “reflect the views and attitudes of the neighbors.”
Chair Eckenwiler disagreed. The impact on adjacent properties is “minor” and that requesting special exception is not a violation of the regulations, he said. “I do not think those rise to the level of substantial adverse impacts that would counsel against granting this application.”
The ANC would not be the final decision maker on this, Treasurer Kelty pointed out. “Anybody who feels really strongly about it to go to the BZA and make their case,” he said.
Commissioners voted to the application, noting both the “credible concerns” of neighbors about the late notice submission by the applicant.
Other Matters
The commission voted to:
• oppose the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPA) application of 622 Mass. Ave. NE. to construct a two story carriage house, citing concerns about the substantive nature of what was depicted and lack of detail in the drawings, unless the applicant submits a timely, voluntary request to adjourn their hearing;
• send a letter to the Department of Buildings (DOB) and the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) encouraging the agencies to work together to amend the regulations and close loopholes regarding the installation of storm windows.
ANC 6C will meet next on October 9 at 7 p.m. via WebEx. Visit anc6c.org to learn more about the commission and to attend the meeting.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at [email protected].
