Commission takes proposed action to create Cleveland Park and Woodley Park neighborhood mixed‑use zones

The Zoning Commission voted unanimously to take proposed action on zoning commission case 25‑09, an Office of Planning package of text and map amendments to create neighborhood mixed‑use zones for Cleveland Park and Woodley Park.

Commissioner Wright framed the discussion by endorsing the plan to concentrate density along transit corridors while emphasizing the need to protect adjacent residential character and to ensure the new zones do not create an entirely new inclusionary (I) program. "We should not create a brand new I program or set of requirements for this zone," she said, adding that the Office of Planning’s comparative analysis of base zones (MU5B, NMU7B, MU8/MU9‑based tailored zones) was persuasive in showing how the proposed specialized zones would better achieve affordable‑housing outcomes.

Commissioners also discussed infrastructure and utilities. Wright said OP reported no response from DC Water and that, if utilities had strong capacity concerns, they would have raised them. The commission asked that the Historic Preservation Office provide clearer coordination on front setbacks and context; Chair Anthony Hood requested a follow‑up letter to the OP director after Maxine Brown Roberts (Historic Preservation Office) said the director declined to send staff in response to a verbal request.

The commission reviewed proposed additions to the "purpose and intent" language that would explicitly recognize Cleveland Park and Woodley Park as unique corridors to be preserved and enhanced, require protections for adjacent residential areas and independent retail, and include scale compatibility language referencing front setbacks consistent with the Connecticut Avenue Development Guidelines. Commissioners praised OP’s supplemental comparative analysis and responsiveness to the commission’s earlier questions, while noting that OP did not provide quantified estimates of how much additional affordable housing the new zones might produce.

Commissioner Wright moved to take proposed action on case 25‑09, including the OP supplemental reports and the amended language discussed at the meeting; the motion was seconded. Office of Zoning staff recorded a roll call vote of 5–0 in favor of taking proposed action. Commissioners noted there may be additional items to resolve before final action and that the commission would continue oversight as the item moves forward.