Zoning commission approves Wesley campus plan, secures $10 million for off‑site affordable housing
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Summary
The Zoning Commission approved final action on Wesley Theological Seminary's campus plan, recording an agreement for a $10 million off‑site affordable housing contribution to be administered by DHCD and a community security plan; vote was 4–0–1.
The Zoning Commission voted to approve final action on Wesley Theological Seminary's campus plan (ZC Case 23‑08A), endorsing a negotiated package that includes a $10 million off‑site affordable housing contribution and a community security agreement.
At a meeting convened virtually Dec. 11, Vice Chair Miller said parties including the university, the Department of Housing and Community Development and neighborhood groups had reached a conceptual agreement that raised Wesley's previous $8 million commitment to $10 million. "There's agreement on the $10,000,000 figure from all parties," Miller said, calling the increase "a big thing."
Commissioners emphasized the importance of DHCD administering the funds, saying the department has the experience to convert the contribution into housing units in Ward 3. Miller and other commissioners also highlighted design and transportation mitigations the applicant agreed to during the review, including limitations on building height placement toward American University and transportation demand management strategies coordinated with DDOT.
Several commissioners praised ANC 3A and community groups for negotiating a security plan to address neighborhood concerns. Commission chair Anthony Hood noted that the party in opposition had agreed not to seek reconsideration or appeal, a factor commissioners said helped clear the way for immediate final action.
Vice Chair Miller moved approval of final action and asked that any necessary covenant language or a memorializing order be prepared with counsel and DHCD to ensure the $10 million contribution is executed. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call 4–0–1, with Commissioner Stidham recorded as not present and not voting.
The commission directed the applicant to work with DHCD and commission counsel to produce final order language and any covenants necessary to implement the off‑site funding and specified administrative follow‑up. The commission did not take additional testimony at the meeting and said the record will include previously filed exhibits and post‑hearing submissions.