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Zoning Commission Approves Text Amendment to Allow Limited Neighborhood Commercial Uses at 1781 Florida Ave NW
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Summary
On Dec. 4, 2025, the Zoning Commission approved a text amendment to Subtitle U §514.3 to exempt 1781 Florida Ave NW (Square 2557, Lot 800) from four prohibited uses in the Reed Cook overlay — enabling neighborhood grocery, restaurant, veterinary clinic or small delivery office — by a 4–0–1 vote.
The Zoning Commission voted on Dec. 4, 2025 to approve Z.C. Case No. 25-10, a text amendment to Subtitle U §514.3 that excludes 1781 Florida Ave NW (Square 2557, Lot 800) from four prohibited uses in the Reed Cook overlay, enabling limited neighborhood-oriented commercial activity.
Applicant attorney mister Debert and property owner Jeffrey Schoenberger told the commission the change is intended to reduce long-term vacancy and attract “quality” tenants — such as a small grocery, full-service restaurant (not fast-food), a veterinary clinic or a UPS/FedEx-style partial delivery office. Schoenberger described the site’s history and retail turnover and told the commission that prolonged vacancy harms the neighborhood, saying, “Nothing good happens in a vacant property.”
Office of Planning (OP) recommended approval in its written report and by testimony at the hearing, finding the proposal not inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan when viewed through a racial equity lens. ANC 1C submitted a letter in the record (Exhibit 2E) reporting a 7–0 ANC vote in support. Applicant counsel noted the change would remove only four of the 40-plus prohibited uses in the overlay and would not exempt the property from uses the applicant considers more impactful, such as bars or assembly halls.
Commissioners spoke in favor during the public meeting. Commissioner Wright said he “fully support[s] your proposal,” and Vice Chair Miller noted the request is a modest revision intended to encourage neighborhood-serving retail while avoiding uses that would extend late-night hours. After brief comments from commissioners and no public testimony, Commissioner Wright moved to approve the petition and Vice Chair Miller seconded.
The commission approved the proposed action by voice/roll-call as recorded: 4 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent (record cites one commissioner as absent). The motion approved the text amendment for 1781 Florida Ave NW (Alturas LLC) as a proposed action; no effective date or subsequent readings were announced at the hearing.
The commission’s chair closed the hearing and noted the Zoning Commission will meet again on Dec. 8, 2025; commissioners discussed a possible closed session on Dec. 15. No further procedural steps or effective implementation dates for this amendment were specified during the hearing.
