The Zoning Commission set down for public hearing proposed modifications to the Press House planned-unit development (case 15-28A), following an Office of Planning recommendation. The commission voted 5-0-0 to set the matter down as a contested case.

OP (presented by Mr. Baron) described requested changes to the consolidated PUD approved in September 2016 that cover the western portion of the site along Third Street NE, including the hotel and adjacent NCP building. Proposed modifications include changes to exterior architectural elements, a slight increase in hotel guestrooms with flexibility of ±10%, changes to permitted ground-floor uses in part of the site, and repositioning the penthouse footprint to create a larger west-side terrace and accommodate a new eating-and-drinking establishment; the applicant seeks special-exception relief for that use.

OP concluded the modifications would have minimal impact on the previously approved public benefits and amenities and would not be inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan, including when reviewed through the racial equity lens. Commissioners said they expected to hear more detail at the hearing, including the design alternatives considered and ANC comments. Chairman Anthony Hood moved to set the case down; the commission voted by roll call: Hood, yes; Imamura, yes; Wright, yes; Miller, yes; Stidham, yes.