Residential Building Planned for 1550 Pennsylvania Ave SE

February 19, 2013
A used car lot currently sits on 1550 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.

A used car lot currently sits on 1550 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.

Lots of things happening around Barney Circle these days. In addition to the planned Barney Circle transportation project, Penn Avenue Partnership, LLC  plans to build an 80-84 unit residential building at 1550 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, located at the intersection of Penn Ave and Barney Circle. Neighbors can learn more about the plans and ask questions of the owner and developer at a meeting on Wednesday, February 27, 6:30 pm at New York Pizza (1401 Pennsylvania Avenue SE).

In addition to the initial plans (pdf), here are some additional details about the project:

  • The northern portion of the proposed building will be three stories, matching the existing three story rowhouses on the 1500 block of Penn Ave SE. As the building approaches Barney Circle, it will rise to five stories, the maximum allowed in the C-2-A zone. The initial design is by Eric Colbert & Associates.
  • Penn Ave Partnership is seeking two variances and a special exception from the Board of Zoning Adjustment. This means that ANC 6B will have an opportunity to weigh in on the project, perhaps as early as March.
  • One variance will be for parking. The plans call for 31 parking spots – 23 in an underground garage and 8 along the alley (a.k.a. “Freedom Way”) which runs behind the property. This is 11 spots short of the required 42 parking spaces. The applicant argues that the property’s unique shape makes it difficult to provide 42 parking spaces and that building a second underground level of parking would be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, the applicant points to the site’s proximity to the Potomac Avenue Metro and other transit to make the case that meeting the full parking requirement is not necessary.
  • A second variance request relates to a requirement for a loading dock that can accommodate 55-foot trucks. The applicant argues that the unique shape of the property and the narrowness of Freedom Way makes providing such a dock overly burdensome.
  • The special exception request is a technical matter relating to roof height requirements of the mechanical penthouse.
  • While there are currently curb cuts on Penn Ave and Kentucky Ave, the plans call for vehicles to enter the new building via Freedom Way. While I certainly support the idea of removing curb cuts, Freedom Way seems ill-suited to handle traffic in and out of the building. In addition, the current one-way configuration of Kentucky Ave. SE means that Freedom Way will be the only northern access point. Vehicles will have a difficult time navigating the alley, particularly if it remains two way.
  • While no final determination has been made, the projects 80-84 units will likely be apartments.
  • While parking and traffic flow are certainly concerns, the project would significantly increase foot traffic along the 1400 & 1500 blocks of Penn Ave, providing a major boost for existing and proposed retail along the corridor.

Again, the owner, developer and architect will present their plans to the community and answer questions on Wed., Feb. 27, 6:30 pm at New York Pizza. In the meantime, post your questions and comments below.

Initial design of proposed residential building courtesy of Eric Colbert & Associates.

Initial design of proposed residential building courtesy of Eric Colbert & Associates.

19 Comments | Barney Circle, Development, Penn East, Potomac Avenue Metro | Permalink
Posted by bflahaven

Barney Circle-SE Blvd Planning Meeting This Thursday, Feb. 21

February 18, 2013
Rendering of the new Barney Circle from the 2005 Middle Anacostia River Crossings Study.

Rendering of the new Barney Circle from the 2005 Middle Anacostia River Crossings Study.

On Thursday, Feb. 21, the District Department of Transportation will be holding the first public meeting for the Barney Circle – Southeast Boulevard Transportation Planning Study. The meeting will take place from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Payne Elementary School, 1445 C Street SE.

As I detailed in a previous post, the Barney Circle-SE Blvd project will have a major impact on Hill East. DDOT plans to make Barney Circle a full traffic circle and connect the new circle to the Southeast-Southwest Freeway via a newly constructed Southeast Boulevard. I plan to ask DDOT a number of questions about the project, including:

  • Is DDOT committed to building a full traffic circle at Barney Circle, or is the agency considering other alternatives?
  • What will a full traffic circle mean for traffic along surrounding streets? Will Kentucky Avenue remain one way?
  • How will bike traffic proceed around the new Barney Circle?
  • Would building a full traffic circle exacerbate the current traffic situation on 17th Street SE?
  • What will DDOT do with the middle of the new Barney Circle? Build a park? Monument? Garden?
  • Would 13th, 14th and 15th Streets connect to the Southeast Boulevard?
  • Is DDOT still considering the construction of Park Drive, a roadway that would connect Independence Avenue to Barney Circle?
  • What is the timeline for the project, and is it fully funded?

Again, I encourage Hill East residents to attend this meeting, particularly if you live south of Potomac Avenue and east of 14th Street SE.

3 Comments | Barney Circle, Transportation | Permalink
Posted by bflahaven

Tuesday Quick Takes: Speed Camera, ANC 6B, Barney Circle, DC General

February 12, 2013
  • On Feb. 1, the Metropolitan Police Department installed the long-awaited speed camera at 17th & D Street SE. I’m pleased that the camera is finally in place and hope that it will slow vehicles down while the neighborhood awaits implementation of the 17th & 19th Street Safety Improvement Project recommendations.
  • ANC 6B’s February meeting is tonight (Feb. 12), 7:00 pm at the Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. The commission will be electing committee/task force chairs, voting on resident members and voting on proposed comments to the District Department of the Environment on permits related to the Capitol Hill Power Plant. View the agenda.
  • The District Department of Transportation will hold the first public meeting on the Barney Circle-Southeast Boulevard Transportation Planning Study on Thursday, Feb. 21, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Payne Elementary School (1445 C Street SE). As I’ve written in a previous post, DDOT has major changes planned for Barney Circle and it is critical that residents attend the meeting and weigh in on the project.
  • Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham, chair of the Council’s Committee on Human Services, has announced that the committee will hold a Thursday, Feb. 28 hearing on the management of DC General Shelter for homeless families. The hearing announcement comes in the wake of a Washington Post article and heartbreaking opinion column by Petula Dvorak detailing terrible conditions at the shelter.  The hearing will begin at 6:00 pm and be held at DC General, 1900 Massachusetts Avenue SE.

Leave a Comment » | ANC 6B, Barney Circle, Reservation 13/Hill East Waterfront, RFK/Stadium Armory, Transportation | Permalink
Posted by bflahaven

Pennsylvania-Potomac Avenue Intersection Safety Study Meeting Recap

February 4, 2013
Meeting attendees discuss potential options for improving safety at the Penn-Potomac intersection.

Meeting attendees discuss potential options for improving safety at the Penn-Potomac intersection.

On Jan. 31, the District Department of Transportation held the first of three scheduled public meetings on the Pennsylvania-Potomac Avenue Intersection Pedestrian Safety Study. The primary goal of the study and project is to enhance pedestrian safety at the intersection.   Around 100 attendees had an opportunity to view a presentation on the study and to  ask questions.

Here are the highlights:

  • Sanjay Kumar of DDOT and Karl Kratzer of consulting firm CH2MHill led the meeting and presentation. DDOT has hired CH2MHill to conduct the Environmental Assessment (EA) and PRR, a public affairs firm, to handle the public relations aspects of the  project. Both CH2MHill and PRR will also be  involved in the Barney Circle-Southeast Boulevard project.
  • Since DDOT is seeking federal funds for the project, the agency must complete an EA. The purpose of the Jan. 31 public meeting, or “scoping meeting,” was to determine the purpose, need and scope of the project. Feedback from the scoping meeting will be used to develop alternatives that will be shared with the public during the next public meeting (spring 2013).
  • After detailing existing problems with the intersection – multiple crosswalk locations that create pedestrian/driver confusion, no direct crosswalks across Penn Ave and the reality of pedestrians crossing PA at unstriped locations – Mr. Kratzer outlined the various concepts DDOT was considering for improving the intersection. The concepts ranged from minimal improvements (improvements to exiting crosswalks, changes to signal timing) to full redesign and reconfiguration of the intersection. The goal of the study is to determine which concept will best accomplish the goal of enhancing pedestrian safety.
  • Mr. Kratzer acknowledged that the Penn-Potomac EA actually began in 2009 but was put on hold due to budget constraints. He said the previously developed 2009 concept of a traffic square is no longer a viable option due to lack of space for bus turns.
  • Two new concepts were shared with the audience (see photos below). Concept 1 would create T-intersections at Penn and Potomac Ave and 14th and Penn Ave. If implemented, Concept 1 would keep the existing three lane configuration on Pennsylvania Avenue but would add a direct crosswalk from the Metro plaza to the southern side of Penn Ave. The portion of Potomac Ave immediately in front of the  Metro entrance would be eliminated under this concept, with the potential for additional public space to be added on both the north and south sides of Penn Ave.
  • Concept 2 would introduce a traffic oval to the existing intersection. Traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue proceed around the oval to continue traveling westbound or eastbound. In addition, traffic would enter the oval at various points, with signals at each end of the oval. A new, long crosswalk would bisect the traffic circle, allowing pedestrians to cross directly from the Metro plaza to the south side of Penn Ave.
  • DDOT and CH2MHill noted that these two concepts were meant to begin the conversation with the community and that they expected changes to both concepts as they received community feedback.
  • During Q&A,  residents voiced concern that Concept 2 would actually bring traffic closer to the residential areas near the Metro plaza. Other residents mentioned the need to consider bike traffic, the potential impact of any new configuration on side streets, improvements to the Metro “Kiss & Ride” area at 14th & G Streets SE and the need to think holistically about how this project interacts with other DDOT projects both on the west and east side of the river. Mr. Kratzer acknowledged all of these concerns and encouraged residents to submit their feedback on comment forms.
  • If you missed the meeting, you can e-mail comments and feedback to pennpotomac@prrbiz.com. You can also join the project e-mail list by e-mailing ddot.awi@dc.gov or calling 202-741-8528.
  • There certainly needs to be significant coordination between both the Penn-Potomac and Barney Circle-SE Boulevard projects. I am pleased that the same team will be working on both projects. The Barney Circle-Southeast Boulevard project scoping meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 21, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Payne Elementary School (1445 C Street SE). 
Existing conditions at the intersection. You can see the worn pedestrian path in the PA Ave median.

Existing conditions at the intersection. You can see the worn pedestrian path in the PA Ave median.

"Traffic square" concept previously shared in 2009. This concept is no longer on the table.

“Traffic square” concept previously shared in 2009. This concept is no longer on the table.

Concept 1 would create T-intersections at Penn and Potomac Aves. and 14th St. SE

Concept 1 would create T-intersections at Penn and Potomac Aves. and 14th St. SE

Concept 2 would create a traffic oval at the Penn-Potomac intersection.

Concept 2 would create a traffic oval at the Penn-Potomac intersection.

5 Comments | Barney Circle, Penn East, Potomac Avenue Metro, Transportation | Permalink
Posted by bflahaven

Save the Date! DDOT Pennsylvania-Potomac Ave Meeting on Jan. 31

January 11, 2013
Proposed changes to Penn-Potomac intersection from 2005 Middle Anacostia River Crossings Study.

Proposed changes to Penn-Potomac intersection from 2005 Middle Anacostia River Crossings Study.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will hold a Pennsylvania-Potomac Avenue Intersection Environmental Planning & Pedestrian Safety Study Public Meeting on Thursday, January 31, 6:30 pm – 8: 30 pm at Payne Elementary School, 305 15th Street SE. At the meeting, DDOT will update the community on plans to improve the intersection.

DDOT is also planning a February 2013 meeting on another major transportation project in Hill East – the reconstruction of Barney Circle and creation of the Southeast Boulevard. I’ll provide date, time and location details for the  Barney Circle-Southeast Boulevard Environmental Assessment Study Public Meeting as soon the information is finalized by DDOT.

To learn more about these two major projects, read my Dec. 3, 2012 blog post.

1 Comment | Barney Circle, Potomac Avenue Metro, Transportation | Permalink
Posted by bflahaven

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