Zoning Commission approves rezoning for McDonald’s site in Deanwood over DDOT objections

The Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia on a 5–0–0 vote took proposed action to rezone 4301 Nannie Helen Burrows Avenue NE in Deanwood from MU‑3A to MU‑7B, a change the applicant says would permit an updated McDonald’s on the site that would retain a drive‑through.

The proposed rezoning, filed as zoning case 24‑13, was presented April 2025 by counsel for the applicant, Lila Batiste of Holland & Knight, and supported in principle by the Office of Planning. Crystal Myers of the Office of Planning told the commission the MU‑7B zone “would not be inconsistent” with the Comprehensive Plan’s future land use map and the Nannie Helen Burrows Corridor Small Area Plan and would help deliver medium‑density mixed use development in a corridor identified for reinvestment.

The matter drew formal opposition from the District Department of Transportation. Preston Judy of DDOT told the commission the agency “cannot recommend approval” of the rezoning as presented because the applicant intends to rebuild and expand the existing restaurant with a drive‑through. DDOT’s written report, entered in the record as Exhibit 23, warned that the proposed redevelopment could increase site‑generated vehicular traffic by more than 50% during weekday and Saturday peak hours compared with current conditions, and that DDOT discourages drive‑through facilities on bus‑priority corridors because of pedestrian…