Zoning Commission hearing on pop-up regulations -- today, Thursday, 01-15-2015

There are two sides to this position regarding pop-up regulations.  Below is a message in support of the zoning pop-up regulations.  If someone has a link to a message in opposition, then post it in the comments.  Thanks.

From: HistoricWashington@yahoogroups.com
To: HistoricWashington@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 22:41:31 -0600
Subject: [HistoricWashington] Zoning Commission Hearing on Pop Ups Thursday; Comment by Thursday

For those who are concerned about pop ups in their neighborhood.

Larry Janezich

On Thursday, Jan. 15, the DC Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposal to limit ‘pop ups’ in DC.  It is Case #14-11.  The proposal will limit the height for row houses slightly and will discourage row houses being converted to multi-family dwellings. 

http://app.dcoz.dc.gov/Content/Schedule/ViewFile.aspx?fileId=697&fileName=PHN%2014-11%20%2801.15.15%29.pdf

  

Amazingly, there is a group in opposition, Pro DC Future, LLC, which claims to be non-profit, and is urging DC homeowners to write letters against the proposal.  Pro DC Future, LLC, is located at 3033 M Street, N.W., in a building owned by developer East-Banc. Their letter misrepresents the proposal and is aimed at scaring property owners.

    

If you are opposed to ‘pop ups’ in DC, you can copy and paste the suggested letter, or a variant, to the DC Zoning Commission no later than Jan. 15.  Here’s how to submit your testimony:  http://dcoz.dc.gov/services/email.shtm  To send by e-mail, you must sign your letter and attach it to the e-mail in a PDF file.  Because of the urgency of this hearing, however, they will accept .doc files with only printed signatures. You can also fax it to: (202) 727-6072, Attn:  Donna.  E-mails must be received before 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 15. 

  

You can also attend the hearing.  Details: Thursday, Jan. 15 @ 6:30 p.m., in the

Jerrily R. Kress Memorial Hearing Room, 41 4^th St., NW, Suite 220-S.

    

  

Suggested letter: 

       

Date: (fill in)

Chairman Anthony Hood

District of Columbia Zoning Commission

441 4^th St., NW, Suite 2105

Washington, DC. 20001

    

Re:  ZC Case No 14-11

  

Dear Chairman Hood and Members of the Commission:

   

I write in support of ZC Case No 14-11. In fact, I would like to see the proposal go even further to stop unsightly “pop ups” and “pop backs.”

       

Ugly pop ups are sprouting like mushrooms across the District.  Developers are racing to buy and convert single-family homes into million-dollar condos or apartment houses.

        

This amendment has the potential to stop these ugly buildings from continuing to multiply in our city.  It will prevent developers from turning single-family homes into monstrosities that can ruin the look of an entire block.  It will not, however, prevent homeowners from adding an additional story to their homes, if they need additional room.

  

Please adopt this amendment.

    

SIGNED

                 

(Name

address

phone number)