Superfresh AU Park - Spring Valley

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s more discussion of the history here

https://thedcline.org/2019/07/11/nearly-4-years-after-initial-presentation-lady-bird-project-in-au-park-still-struggling-to-take-flight-at-former-superfresh-site/

The fact that this is from 2019 and we're still stuck with an empty lot and store is so sad. I know there was a whole pandemic going on - but still.

It's been vacant since 2013!!

No wonder developers won't touch Tenleytown now and it's a mess of abandoned storefronts and fast casual chains. The NIMBYs started with the complaints and concessions in 2015, and still sued in the end.

From 2015 Urban Turf article https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/200_or_250_residences_the_two_options_presented_for_au_park_superfresh/10408/

"One of the biggest community concerns voiced at the meeting was the fear that the development would further urbanize the area and potentially lower property values. Many in attendance seconded one long-time resident’s statement that 'if it looks like Bethesda, it’s not gonna work', agreeing that 'we live in AU Park' and moved there for the suburban feel of the community.

Residents would like more details and renderings of the site proposals, including fleshed-out versions of the matter-of-right simulations, direct comparisons of the proposed development to existing projects in the District, and explorations of more neighborhood-oriented market options rather than a big-name grocer, before they commit their support."

[Anonymous]

Developers can do what they want if they abide by zoning laws.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s more discussion of the history here

https://thedcline.org/2019/07/11/nearly-4-years-after-initial-presentation-lady-bird-project-in-au-park-still-struggling-to-take-flight-at-former-superfresh-site/

The fact that this is from 2019 and we're still stuck with an empty lot and store is so sad. I know there was a whole pandemic going on - but still.

It's been vacant since 2013!!

No wonder developers won't touch Tenleytown now and it's a mess of abandoned storefronts and fast casual chains. The NIMBYs started with the complaints and concessions in 2015, and still sued in the end.

From 2015 Urban Turf article https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/200_or_250_residences_the_two_options_presented_for_au_park_superfresh/10408/

"One of the biggest community concerns voiced at the meeting was the fear that the development would further urbanize the area and potentially lower property values. Many in attendance seconded one long-time resident’s statement that 'if it looks like Bethesda, it’s not gonna work', agreeing that 'we live in AU Park' and moved there for the suburban feel of the community.

Residents would like more details and renderings of the site proposals, including fleshed-out versions of the matter-of-right simulations, direct comparisons of the proposed development to existing projects in the District, and explorations of more neighborhood-oriented market options rather than a big-name grocer, before they commit their support."

What does this have to do with Tenleytown?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s more discussion of the history here

https://thedcline.org/2019/07/11/nearly-4-years-after-initial-presentation-lady-bird-project-in-au-park-still-struggling-to-take-flight-at-former-superfresh-site/

The fact that this is from 2019 and we're still stuck with an empty lot and store is so sad. I know there was a whole pandemic going on - but still.

It's been vacant since 2013!!

No wonder developers won't touch Tenleytown now and it's a mess of abandoned storefronts and fast casual chains. The NIMBYs started with the complaints and concessions in 2015, and still sued in the end.

From 2015 Urban Turf article https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/200_or_250_residences_the_two_options_presented_for_au_park_superfresh/10408/

"One of the biggest community concerns voiced at the meeting was the fear that the development would further urbanize the area and potentially lower property values. Many in attendance seconded one long-time resident’s statement that 'if it looks like Bethesda, it’s not gonna work', agreeing that 'we live in AU Park' and moved there for the suburban feel of the community.

Residents would like more details and renderings of the site proposals, including fleshed-out versions of the matter-of-right simulations, direct comparisons of the proposed development to existing projects in the District, and explorations of more neighborhood-oriented market options rather than a big-name grocer, before they commit their support."

So they think that looking like Bethesda, by far the nicest and most valuable suburban neighborhood in the DC area, will make their neighborhood character LESS appealing and suburban?

[Anonymous]

I don't know if this thread is still alive, but fyi the DC Court of Appeals finally issued a decision this week, on Oct. 10. It affirmed the Zoning Commission's decision to approve the project. I assume that there's now no legal obstacle to moving ahead with it. Yay! But who knows if the developer's plans have changed in the meantime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know if this thread is still alive, but fyi the DC Court of Appeals finally issued a decision this week, on Oct. 10. It affirmed the Zoning Commission's decision to approve the project. I assume that there's now no legal obstacle to moving ahead with it. Yay! But who knows if the developer's plans have changed in the meantime.

Looking forward to more news. Thanks for the update, PP.

[Anonymous]

That would be such great news. I'd love to shop in our own neighborhood. And, as we'll be retiring in a few years, a condo within walking distance to everything on Mass Ave would be a great downsizing option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know if this thread is still alive, but fyi the DC Court of Appeals finally issued a decision this week, on Oct. 10. It affirmed the Zoning Commission's decision to approve the project. I assume that there's now no legal obstacle to moving ahead with it. Yay! But who knows if the developer's plans have changed in the meantime.

Thanks for this update! Although it's still disheartening and hurting our community that this project and the Sunrise development could be held up for so long w/ bad faith litigation. We need more leadership from Frumin etc. about changing the law so these groundless challenges to the Zoning Commission can be dismissed early (or not have standing at all).

[Anonymous]

What will be constructed?

[Anonymous]

It appears the Court Of Appeals upheld the earlier courts ruling! BUT the Spring Valle Wesley Heights group (which is led by the same people the other two groups listed are led by) and one neighbor are asking for another hearing.
For the love of God, is there a way to stop them at this point?! One of the people involved moved to Florida 5 years ago.

https://efile.dcappeals.gov/public/caseView.do?csIID=64719

[Anonymous]

The bar should bring disciplinary action against the attorney. The arguments are totally bad faith and without merit.

[Anonymous]

Great. So the location is still being held hostage. Maybe in 10 years something will happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It appears the Court Of Appeals upheld the earlier courts ruling! BUT the Spring Valle Wesley Heights group (which is led by the same people the other two groups listed are led by) and one neighbor are asking for another hearing.
For the love of God, is there a way to stop them at this point?! One of the people involved moved to Florida 5 years ago.

https://efile.dcappeals.gov/public/caseView.do?csIID=64719

As a long time resident of Wesley Heights, I am personally offended that the name of our neighborhood has been associated with the area encompassing that fetid, chemical laden swamp. The lawsuit is also flawed as well.

[Anonymous]

It feels like the whole thread was written by the same sock puppet. Reporting to the moderator to look into it.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s just multiple neighbors don’t want to live near a vacant lot with graffiti instead of some stores and apartments.
It seems, based on court records, that everyone fighting the development is over the age of 75 and those who want it are the people who will be living in the neighborhood for the next 35 years. It’s not unreasonable to not want a tiny, tiny minority of residents to determine what we are going to live with for decades.