Zoning panel hears Cedar Tree Academy design; waivers granted and final action set for March 27

Cedar Tree Academy, a public charter school that serves primarily Ward 8 students, presented a design review to the D.C. Zoning Commission on Feb. 20 for a proposed new school at 701 Howard Road SE. The commission accepted waiver requests related to a late comprehensive transportation review and set a final action for March 27, 2025, pending a draft order from the applicant and ANC response.

The applicant, led by Cedar Tree CEO Dr. Latonya Henderson and represented by Eric J. DeBert of Cozen O'Connor, described a multi-story school building with classroom space, a gym, cafeteria and a two-stage construction plan that would keep the existing school operating during construction. "Our mission is to provide an safe learning environment that enhances the emotional and, cognitive growth and development of our students while helping them become independent learners," Dr. Henderson said, noting the school currently enrolls 399 students with 89 full-time staff and is authorized by the DC Public Charter School Board to serve up to 600 students.

Architect Lou Boza and transportation consultant Nicole White reviewed site layout, circulation and materials. The applicant…