Zoning Commission approves Howard University extraction for new hospital; DDOT requires updated TDM plan

The Zoning Commission on Oct. 16, 2025 approved Howard University’s request to extract two parcels from the university’s 2020–2030 campus plan so the university can proceed by-right with a new hospital and related redevelopment. The commission voted 3–0–2, with Commissioners Imamura and Stidham absent.

Derek Niece Williams, assistant vice president for planning and architecture at Howard University, told the commission the university has negotiated a memorandum of agreement and recorded declarations of covenants “to memorialize use restrictions, setbacks, and other factors important to the future of our community.” He said the university “are it is our position” that moving forward by-right on the hospital site is the most expedient path while preserving community protections, and that Howard “is in agreement with OP’s findings in their report and concede to the conditions raised by DDOT in their report.”

The Office of Planning recommended approval and stood on the analysis in its hearing report. Eric Osborne, development review program manager for the District Department of Transportation, said DDOT likewise supports the extraction with a condition: the Howard campus plan’s…