Say NO to Bowser on changing building height limits

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I drive the New York Ave corridor regularly, and there is still substantial vacant land along the avenue for new housing development at scale. But presumably developers aren't interested in that area?

They are, development has already begun - obviously the Hechts warehouse. More will come, despite relatively poor transit access on portions of the corridor. But you need to look down the road so to speak - if that area is built out in, say, 2030, then the by building things in the 2020s to the old height limit, an opportunity is lost. Put another way, once there are no more parcels to build on, what will be the point of changing the height limit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is wrong with you people DC needs high rises

Looking like a midwestern midsized town is not charming or unique

Do you want it to look like Rosslyn? What's so great about all that development? NOTHING

Chinatown right now is just Rosslyn with the tops of the buildings lopped off, what’s so great about that??

At least you can see the sky in Chinatown. Rosslyn, despite attempts to make it better, is still soulless. The taller buildings which cast shadows don't help.

And the view to Rosslyn from Georgetown and the river is nothing to be proud of.

Plenty of cities with buildings that big have "soul" Rosslyns problem is excessively wide roads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is wrong with you people DC needs high rises

Looking like a midwestern midsized town is not charming or unique

Do you want it to look like Rosslyn? What's so great about all that development? NOTHING

Chinatown right now is just Rosslyn with the tops of the buildings lopped off, what’s so great about that??

At least you can see the sky in Chinatown. Rosslyn, despite attempts to make it better, is still soulless. The taller buildings which cast shadows don't help.

And the view to Rosslyn from Georgetown and the river is nothing to be proud of.

LOL you do not even know what you are talking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a great idea. Look at Western Ave at Friendship Heights. One side of the street has a height limit the other side does not. Look at K street with all the big ugly box building because the developers have to maximize floor space. No one even knows why there is a height limit.

More density will increase demand for mass transit. Right now the city does not have enough density to fund mass transit but enough density to cause congestion. Nothing will change around the mall it’s all federal.

For the Greater Greater Developer party line.

I love being able to see the washington monument from almost anywhere in the city

You mean like from K street? You people are shrill and I bet you do not even live in the city. Continue to spread the fear that the mall will be lined with huge skyscrapers! Oh the terror of the development! The truth is there are areas in the city that should have the arbitrary height limit removed. It is stupid and restricts the development, affordability housing, initiative design and urban planing. The city could require developers to incorporate green infrastructure and public spaces into the development. Let’s face you want to see a fake Disney city...like those streetcar tracks in Georgetown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a great idea. Look at Western Ave at Friendship Heights. One side of the street has a height limit the other side does not. Look at K street with all the big ugly box building because the developers have to maximize floor space. No one even knows why there is a height limit.

More density will increase demand for mass transit. Right now the city does not have enough density to fund mass transit but enough density to cause congestion. Nothing will change around the mall it’s all federal.

For the Greater Greater Developer party line.

I love being able to see the washington monument from almost anywhere in the city

You mean like from K street? You people are shrill and I bet you do not even live in the city. Continue to spread the fear that the mall will be lined with huge skyscrapers! Oh the terror of the development! The truth is there are areas in the city that should have the arbitrary height limit removed. It is stupid and restricts the development, affordability housing, initiative design and urban planing. The city could require developers to incorporate green infrastructure and public spaces into the development. Let’s face you want to see a fake Disney city...like those streetcar tracks in Georgetown.

There was a recent, deeply written article on SF and how horrible it's become with its "growth" and how everyone pretty much hates it and is miserable. I'm happy to "look out" and put the brakes on this growth. To what end? DC is vibrant and has good balance right now. We have a built in employer (FEDS) and some nice pop ups. All neighborhoods wi eventually be "discovered" and we should "look out" for really thoughtful, human scale development that is mixed income and win win. We should continue to improve mass transit. Let the tech and high rises go to the suburbs. Too bad SF didnt do this. Sure they'd a like a do over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a great idea. Look at Western Ave at Friendship Heights. One side of the street has a height limit the other side does not. Look at K street with all the big ugly box building because the developers have to maximize floor space. No one even knows why there is a height limit.

More density will increase demand for mass transit. Right now the city does not have enough density to fund mass transit but enough density to cause congestion. Nothing will change around the mall it’s all federal.

For the Greater Greater Developer party line.

I love being able to see the washington monument from almost anywhere in the city

You mean like from K street? You people are shrill and I bet you do not even live in the city. Continue to spread the fear that the mall will be lined with huge skyscrapers! Oh the terror of the development! The truth is there are areas in the city that should have the arbitrary height limit removed. It is stupid and restricts the development, affordability housing, initiative design and urban planing. The city could require developers to incorporate green infrastructure and public spaces into the development. Let’s face you want to see a fake Disney city...like those streetcar tracks in Georgetown.

There was a recent, deeply written article on SF and how horrible it's become with its "growth" and how everyone pretty much hates it and is miserable. I'm happy to "look out" and put the brakes on this growth. To what end? DC is vibrant and has good balance right now. We have a built in employer (FEDS) and some nice pop ups. All neighborhoods wi eventually be "discovered" and we should "look out" for really thoughtful, human scale development that is mixed income and win win. We should continue to improve mass transit. Let the tech and high rises go to the suburbs. Too bad SF didnt do this. Sure they'd a like a do over.

Vibrant? Are you f'ing kidding me? This town is dead. It's mired in mediocrity. Please...you have no idea what the word means.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a great idea. Look at Western Ave at Friendship Heights. One side of the street has a height limit the other side does not. Look at K street with all the big ugly box building because the developers have to maximize floor space. No one even knows why there is a height limit.

More density will increase demand for mass transit. Right now the city does not have enough density to fund mass transit but enough density to cause congestion. Nothing will change around the mall it’s all federal.

For the Greater Greater Developer party line.

I love being able to see the washington monument from almost anywhere in the city

You mean like from K street? You people are shrill and I bet you do not even live in the city. Continue to spread the fear that the mall will be lined with huge skyscrapers! Oh the terror of the development! The truth is there are areas in the city that should have the arbitrary height limit removed. It is stupid and restricts the development, affordability housing, initiative design and urban planing. The city could require developers to incorporate green infrastructure and public spaces into the development. Let’s face you want to see a fake Disney city...like those streetcar tracks in Georgetown.

There was a recent, deeply written article on SF and how horrible it's become with its "growth" and how everyone pretty much hates it and is miserable. I'm happy to "look out" and put the brakes on this growth. To what end? DC is vibrant and has good balance right now. We have a built in employer (FEDS) and some nice pop ups. All neighborhoods wi eventually be "discovered" and we should "look out" for really thoughtful, human scale development that is mixed income and win win. We should continue to improve mass transit. Let the tech and high rises go to the suburbs. Too bad SF didnt do this. Sure they'd a like a do over.

"human scale" = build it somewhere else.

Face it, we either keep paving over arable land for tract housing, or we get serious about adding density where infrastructure and jobs already exist. It's pretty simple

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a great idea. Look at Western Ave at Friendship Heights. One side of the street has a height limit the other side does not. Look at K street with all the big ugly box building because the developers have to maximize floor space. No one even knows why there is a height limit.

More density will increase demand for mass transit. Right now the city does not have enough density to fund mass transit but enough density to cause congestion. Nothing will change around the mall it’s all federal.

For the Greater Greater Developer party line.

I love being able to see the washington monument from almost anywhere in the city

You mean like from K street? You people are shrill and I bet you do not even live in the city. Continue to spread the fear that the mall will be lined with huge skyscrapers! Oh the terror of the development! The truth is there are areas in the city that should have the arbitrary height limit removed. It is stupid and restricts the development, affordability housing, initiative design and urban planing. The city could require developers to incorporate green infrastructure and public spaces into the development. Let’s face you want to see a fake Disney city...like those streetcar tracks in Georgetown.

There was a recent, deeply written article on SF and how horrible it's become with its "growth" and how everyone pretty much hates it and is miserable. I'm happy to "look out" and put the brakes on this growth. To what end? DC is vibrant and has good balance right now. We have a built in employer (FEDS) and some nice pop ups. All neighborhoods wi eventually be "discovered" and we should "look out" for really thoughtful, human scale development that is mixed income and win win. We should continue to improve mass transit. Let the tech and high rises go to the suburbs. Too bad SF didnt do this. Sure they'd a like a do over.

Without density you can not fund mass transit. Where do you think the money comes from? The two go hand in hand. Also who gives you the right to determine that DC should not have growth, tech jobs, etc? Talk privilege!

[Anonymous]

There was a recent, deeply written article on SF and how horrible it's become with its "growth" and how everyone pretty much hates it and is miserable.

"no one goes there anymore, its too crowded"

I'm happy to "look out" and put the brakes on this growth. To what end? DC is vibrant and has good balance right now. We have a built in employer (FEDS) and some nice pop ups. All neighborhoods wi eventually be "discovered"

And be gentrified and become all white and UMC except for committed affordable housing. Is that the DC you want?

and we should "look out" for really thoughtful, human scale development that is mixed income and win win. We should continue to improve mass transit.

As noted, density supports transit, transit supports (and is justified) by density. L'Enfant Plaza is at the junction of FIVE metro lines. It is far from vibrant. Allowing taller denser buildings there seems like a no brainer to me.

Let the tech and high rises go to the suburbs.

There is already talk about SOME Amazon employees reverse commuting from DC.

Too bad SF didnt do this.

Most tech employment in the Bay Area IS in the suburbs. They just ended up with lots of reverse commuting. While Arlington is more friendly to urbanist growth than most SF suburbs are, moving more employment growth there will mean demand in DC. I suppose you could hope for all tech growth to be out past Dulles. With lots of added sprawl, lots more auto trips, lots more green house gases. It might preserve your quiet block in DC, at the expense of the region and the planet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

There was a recent, deeply written article on SF and how horrible it's become with its "growth" and how everyone pretty much hates it and is miserable.

"no one goes there anymore, its too crowded"

I'm happy to "look out" and put the brakes on this growth. To what end? DC is vibrant and has good balance right now. We have a built in employer (FEDS) and some nice pop ups. All neighborhoods wi eventually be "discovered"

And be gentrified and become all white and UMC except for committed affordable housing. Is that the DC you want?

and we should "look out" for really thoughtful, human scale development that is mixed income and win win. We should continue to improve mass transit.

As noted, density supports transit, transit supports (and is justified) by density. L'Enfant Plaza is at the junction of FIVE metro lines. It is far from vibrant. Allowing taller denser buildings there seems like a no brainer to me.

Let the tech and high rises go to the suburbs.

There is already talk about SOME Amazon employees reverse commuting from DC.

Too bad SF didnt do this.

Most tech employment in the Bay Area IS in the suburbs. They just ended up with lots of reverse commuting. While Arlington is more friendly to urbanist growth than most SF suburbs are, moving more employment growth there will mean demand in DC. I suppose you could hope for all tech growth to be out past Dulles. With lots of added sprawl, lots more auto trips, lots more green house gases. It might preserve your quiet block in DC, at the expense of the region and the planet.

People who buy in the outer suburbs are looking for a particular type of house with a nice fenced yard for kids and a dog, at a more reasonable price than closer in. It is not the same demographic as would rent or buy in some upscale flat above a CAVA in DC. The notion that DC needs to be massively upznned to prevent suburban sprawl is a red herring.

[Anonymous]

"As noted, density supports transit, transit supports (and is justified) by density. L'Enfant Plaza is at the junction of FIVE metro lines. It is far from vibrant. Allowing taller denser buildings there seems like a no brainer to me."

Some of the buildings at L'Enfant Plaza (including by IM Pei) are landmarked. Also, there's a lot of density that has been added just south at the wharf, which is perhaps the largest construction project on the East Coast.

Tall buildings at L'Enfant would certainly impact the vistas to and from the Mall and the monumental core.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

People who buy in the outer suburbs are looking for a particular type of house with a nice fenced yard for kids and a dog, at a more reasonable price than closer in. It is not the same demographic as would rent or buy in some upscale flat above a CAVA in DC. The notion that DC needs to be massively upznned to prevent suburban sprawl is a red herring.

There are townhouses and apts in the outer suburbs. And there are definitely people who compare a bigger house in the outer suburbs to staying in a TH or even apt in DC - you see that in the RE forum often. Regional real estate markets are connected. The less there is in transit oriented development in DC and close in suburbs with good transit, the less development there will be at the edge. People have to live somewhere. (also more development near transit in DC makes locations in the suburbs near transit more desirable relative to places away from transit)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"As noted, density supports transit, transit supports (and is justified) by density. L'Enfant Plaza is at the junction of FIVE metro lines. It is far from vibrant. Allowing taller denser buildings there seems like a no brainer to me."

Some of the buildings at L'Enfant Plaza (including by IM Pei) are landmarked. Also, there's a lot of density that has been added just south at the wharf, which is perhaps the largest construction project on the East Coast.

Tall buildings at L'Enfant would certainly impact the vistas to and from the Mall and the monumental core.

Some are landmarked, some are not. There have been new buildings there recently, which due to height limits and zoning have missed the opportunity to add more density.

The Wharf units are NOT as close to L'Enfant Plaza station where the 5 metro stations are. That is (one reason) why there is so much auto traffic to and from them.

I believe that that taller buildings could be managed to limit impact on vistas. Planning office would need to show that when changing heights on particular parcels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There was a recent, deeply written article on SF and how horrible it's become with its "growth" and how everyone pretty much hates it and is miserable.

"no one goes there anymore, its too crowded"

I'm happy to "look out" and put the brakes on this growth. To what end? DC is vibrant and has good balance right now. We have a built in employer (FEDS) and some nice pop ups. All neighborhoods wi eventually be "discovered"

And be gentrified and become all white and UMC except for committed affordable housing. Is that the DC you want?

and we should "look out" for really thoughtful, human scale development that is mixed income and win win. We should continue to improve mass transit.

As noted, density supports transit, transit supports (and is justified) by density. L'Enfant Plaza is at the junction of FIVE metro lines. It is far from vibrant. Allowing taller denser buildings there seems like a no brainer to me.

Let the tech and high rises go to the suburbs.

There is already talk about SOME Amazon employees reverse commuting from DC.

Too bad SF didnt do this.

Most tech employment in the Bay Area IS in the suburbs. They just ended up with lots of reverse commuting. While Arlington is more friendly to urbanist growth than most SF suburbs are, moving more employment growth there will mean demand in DC. I suppose you could hope for all tech growth to be out past Dulles. With lots of added sprawl, lots more auto trips, lots more green house gases. It might preserve your quiet block in DC, at the expense of the region and the planet.

People who buy in the outer suburbs are looking for a particular type of house with a nice fenced yard for kids and a dog, at a more reasonable price than closer in. It is not the same demographic as would rent or buy in some upscale flat above a CAVA in DC. The notion that DC needs to be massively upznned to prevent suburban sprawl is a red herring.

Prices control everything. If we could have an affordable 3BR condo in the city, we wouldn't necessarily be living in the suburbs. But I'm not going to pay these current DC prices

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a great idea. Look at Western Ave at Friendship Heights. One side of the street has a height limit the other side does not. Look at K street with all the big ugly box building because the developers have to maximize floor space. No one even knows why there is a height limit.

More density will increase demand for mass transit. Right now the city does not have enough density to fund mass transit but enough density to cause congestion. Nothing will change around the mall it’s all federal.

For the Greater Greater Developer party line.

I love being able to see the washington monument from almost anywhere in the city

You mean like from K street? You people are shrill and I bet you do not even live in the city. Continue to spread the fear that the mall will be lined with huge skyscrapers! Oh the terror of the development! The truth is there are areas in the city that should have the arbitrary height limit removed. It is stupid and restricts the development, affordability housing, initiative design and urban planing. The city could require developers to incorporate green infrastructure and public spaces into the development. Let’s face you want to see a fake Disney city...like those streetcar tracks in Georgetown.

There was a recent, deeply written article on SF and how horrible it's become with its "growth" and how everyone pretty much hates it and is miserable. I'm happy to "look out" and put the brakes on this growth. To what end? DC is vibrant and has good balance right now. We have a built in employer (FEDS) and some nice pop ups. All neighborhoods wi eventually be "discovered" and we should "look out" for really thoughtful, human scale development that is mixed income and win win. We should continue to improve mass transit. Let the tech and high rises go to the suburbs. Too bad SF didnt do this. Sure they'd a like a do over.

"human scale" = build it somewhere else.

Face it, we either keep paving over arable land for tract housing, or we get serious about adding density where infrastructure and jobs already exist. It's pretty simple

You must not get outside DC much. Except for government agencies, law firms and some trade associations and nonprofits, the job action (especially in the tech and corporate sectors) is mostly in the Washigton suburbs.