Civil Engineering Firm Addresses Trash Access and Accessibility Issues at W Street Project

The BZA Public Meeting & Hearing held on July 16, 2025, by the DC Office of Zoning focused on the development plans for a new residential building, addressing key concerns about trash management and accessibility.

During the meeting, representatives from the civil engineering firm presented their plans for a trash enclosure located at the intersection of W Street and an unimproved alley. They confirmed that the trash collection would be managed by a single vendor, who has agreed to service the new building in the same manner as the existing structures. However, questions arose regarding the accessibility of the trash receptacles, particularly the lack of a direct path from the trash area to the public sidewalk.

Board members expressed concerns about the current configuration, noting that the absence of a hard path could complicate trash collection and accessibility for residents. The applicant acknowledged the issue and indicated a willingness to explore options for constructing a hardscape path that would connect the trash enclosure to the public sidewalk along W Street. This would facilitate easier access for both the trash vendor and residents.

Additionally, discussions included the logistics of moving in and out of the 29 apartments, with board members questioning whether the street width could accommodate the necessary loading and unloading activities. The applicant highlighted the advantage of having access to two streets for staging during these processes.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of ensuring proper accessibility and functionality in the development plans. The board recommended that the applicant provide updated plans that incorporate a hard path to the trash enclosure, which will be reviewed in future discussions. This step is crucial for enhancing the overall usability of the property and meeting community standards.