SHAW: Douglas Developments Gang of Three on 9th Street NW Receives BZA Variance

Currently, the sidewalk has re-opened and the majority of the exterior on 9th is completed

In a closely debated final hearing today (4/28/2015) at the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), Douglas Development won approval for a parking variance, for their Gang of Three project at 1218 9th Street NW. The vote was 3 - 1 in there favor. The BZA went ahead and granted Douglas Developments requested variance, but added that there were conditions attached to the approval. The conditions were set at an early BZA hearing, these include, that the developer continuing to work with the ANC, providing valet parking and provisions for loading/off-loading (there are 7 total conditions) Douglas Development are now free to finish the long standing project.

The rear/side as seen from the 9th Street Alley Access (most of this will be obscured when a new apt. building goes up beginning later this year )

 In the wrap up of the vote chairman Lloyd J Jordan clearly spoke of his concern for the residents of the  Blagden Alley / 9th Street NW area, the development projects and the overall impact on residents, stating that the BZA only views each individual project and that the 'big-picture' is in the hands of the DC Zoning Commission, which he hopes is paying attention to the amount of growth happening.

Integrating the old and the new has created many headache's for Douglas Development - that resulted in multiple BZA appearances

**For the purpose of full disclosure:  I did actively support Douglas Development's request for this story's variance with the DC BZA.