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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August
19, 2020
CONTACT:
Stephen
Staudigl, National Capital Planning Commissio, stephen@ncpc.gov
or 202.482.7279
Mekdy
Alemayehu, DC Office of Planning, mekdy.alemayehu@dc.gov
or 202.412.7828
Christopher
Kelly, Armed Forces Retirement Home, christopher.kelly@afrh.gov
or 202.541.7550
Memorandum
of Understanding Signed for Armed Forces Retirement Home
Redevelopment
Document Allows for Private
Development on 80-Acre Retirement Home Parcel
Washington,
DC—
On July 28, 2020, representatives from the National Capital
Planning Commission (NCPC), DC Office of Planning (DCOP), and the
Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) that identifies the process for redevelopment
of an underutilized 80-acre parcel
of land (Zone A) on the AFRH campus by a private developer.
The
document outlines the shared review and development process for
Zone A and allows the project to move forward. The MOU recognizes
the respective interests of NCPC and the District of Columbia in
the planning of this important site and ensures
a single, clear set of land-use regulations and building code
standards. The AFRH
Master Plan, after significant public input and comment, was
approved in 2008, amended in 2018.
The MOU also provides the agencies and the public
opportunities for comment and input. Under the terms of the MOU,
DCOP will recommend zoning consistent with the AFRH Master Plan and
the District of Columbia’s Comprehensive Plan, which will serve as
guides for the DC Zoning Commission in zoning the AFRH site. NCPC
will review any future amendments to the campus’ master plan and
all projects outside of Zone A in accordance with the National
Capital Planning Act. The MOU replaces one signed in 2007.
Signing
the MOU were Marcel Acosta, NCPC Executive Director; Andrew
Trueblood, DCOP Director; and James M. Branham, AFRH Chief
Operating Officer.
“The completion of this Memorandum of Understanding
is a result of District and federal agencies’ shared goal for high-quality
development that respects the historic campus and benefits the
adjacent community,” said
NCPC Executive Director Marcel Acosta. “It outlines a clear and
predictable review process for the developer and review
authorities.”
“This MOU establishes a shared understanding of the
review and development process for a key site in the District in
alignment with the Mayor's Comprehensive Plan proposals,” said DCOP
Director Andrew Trueblood. “Zoning for this site, paired with
ongoing planning for a coordinated vision for the broader North
Capitol Crossroads area, will help us achieve citywide policy
priorities for mixed-income housing production, expanding economic
development opportunities, and true multi-modal mobility.”
The
Armed Forces Retirement Home’s 272-acre campus in the District
includes more than 100 buildings and ancillary structures, many
historic, and provides residences and related services for
approximately 600 eligible retired and former members of the United
States Armed Forces. The home, dating back to 1851, is the oldest
and only federally funded retirement home for retired members of
the military.
AFRH
operates on a trust fund and receives some appropriations funding
from Congress to sustain operations and support investments that
improve the quality of life and overall health care needs of the
residents. The Chief Operating Officer of AFRH determined that
leasing underutilized land on the campus’ southeastern corner would
provide steady revenue and a long-term income stream to help fund capital
investments and operations. AFRH will exercise its authorities
under Title 24 of United States Code to lease non-excess property
under terms that promote the purpose and financial stability of the
retirement home and directly benefit its residents.
”We are
excited to take this next step forward in bringing this
long-anticipated project to fruition,” said AFRH Chief Operating
Officer James M. Branham. “More than helping the Home financially,
the development will provide many new amenities that our residents
and neighbors will be able to enjoy, as well as expand housing,
jobs, and revenues throughout our community.”
In
2019, AFRH provisionally selected the team of Madison Marquette and
Urban Atlantic to be the master developer for the site. Consistent
with the 2018 Master Plan, its proposal includes approximately 4.3
million square feet of new development and adaptive reuse of
historic buildings, as well as more than 20 acres of
publicly-accessible green space. AFRH is currently working on
updating the Master Plan to address minor variances in the selected
developer’s proposed development plan, and is expecting to submit
it to NCPC for review and approval this fall. AFRH anticipates
completing the zoning process outlined in the MOU and negotiations
with the selected development team on a long-term ground lease in
2021.
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The
National Capital Planning Commission is the federal government's
central planning agency in Washington, DC and surrounding counties
of Maryland and Virginia. The Commission provides overall guidance
for federal land and buildings in the region. It also reviews the
design of federal projects and memorials, oversees long-range
planning for future development, and monitors capital investment by
federal agencies.
The
Office of Planning (DCOP) is tasked with planning for the long-term
growth of the District of Columbia, to help ensure it reflects the
values of an inclusive and vibrant city. DCOP helps the District
work toward a positive future in which all District residents can
thrive, regardless of income, race, age, or background. DCOP guides
development in the District of Columbia’s distinctive neighborhoods
by engaging stakeholders and residents, performing research and
analysis, serving as the steward of our historic resources, and publishing
various planning documents, including the Comprehensive Plan.
The
Armed Forces Retirement Home is the nation’s oldest continuously
operating retirement community for enlisted military personnel. The
AFRH currently can accommodate more than 1,000 veterans between its
Washington, DC, and Gulfport, Mississippi, campuses.
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