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This is a revised edition of our September newsletter, issued September 30. We shared two incorrect dates for public zoning hearings, for Case 25-08 (RA-1 zoning) and Case 25-06 (Alley Lots). Please reference the correct dates below.
September 2025
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Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! We invite you during this month to learn about the fascinating history of the Latino community in DC by reading a study we completed earlier this year, available on our website in English and Spanish.
In this edition, we're reporting on FY25 work that is drawing to a close, including the third year of our Streets for People grant program and the Rhode Island Avenue Planning Study. We look forward to initiating and inviting you into discussions about new FY26 project work soon!
Sincerely,
Anita Cozart
Director, DC Office of Planning
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Building off momentum from previous years of the Streets for People grant program, OP prioritized grant activities in FY25 that could implement recommendations from the Downtown Public Realm Plan. The plan proposed to adapt and improve Downtown public spaces through four catalytic projects comprising art, culture, landscaping, and economy-boosting activity.
By working directly with the Downtown BID and the Golden Triangle BID, OP focused on the Anthem Row area near Chinatown/Gallery Place and the Connecticut Avenue NW corridor around Farragut Square. OP awarded $1.95 million to the two BIDs to implement public space improvements that enhance public life in the two locations.
Outcomes
- Earlier this month, the Golden Triangle BID opened Art Ave, a collection of 13 large-scale sculptures and window murals, many of which are interactive.
- Farragut Fun Days in the park cater to office workers, neighbors, and visitors with weekday events and activities.
- The Downtown BID hosted a series of exciting events and installations at Anthem Row, including Mexican wrestling, DJ battles, ice cream carts, and musical performances.
- Interactive sculpture exhibits and playable artworks also grace Anthem Row, courtesy of grant funding.
Impact
- Before and after they installed chairs, cafe tables, and umbrellas in Farragut Square through Streets for People, the Golden Triangle BID saw the average number of lunchtime visitors increase from 24 to 80.
- Using Placer AI software, DowntownDC BID recorded a 35% increase in visits to Anthem Row before and after installing public art and launching an event series (over 80,000 total visits in a five-month period).
- DowntownDC BID also found that the average visitor returned multiple times and stayed about two hours on site during grant-funded events.
Many of the artworks will remain on display well past the end of the grant cycle and we will continue coordinating with the BIDs to assess total impact of the funding.
(Left) An interactive musical sculture entitled "Harmonies: Violin" on display as part of Art Ave in the Golden Triangle; (Right) Mexican wrestling match event held in Anthem Row (photo courtesy of DowntownDC BID)
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The Rhode Island Avenue Planning Study is nearing completion, and the team extends its appreciation to the hundreds of people who provided input to this planning process. We previewed the plan's vision for improving a 1.5-mile section of the corridor, from 13th St to Eastern Ave NE, at Ward 5 Day on September 20 (pictured to the right). Residents and community leaders were excited for the corridor's possibilities.
The plan celebrates and builds on the existing character with recommendations to create a more comfortable pedestrian environment, outdoor gathering spaces, a thriving small business environment, and new housing options for all incomes. Along with actionable strategies to enhance the corridor, the plan also includes findings on neighborhood demographics, public realm conditions, economic analysis, and history and cultural identity, as well as streetscape design guidelines that will immediately go into effect upon publication of the report.
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As we shared in our June newsletter, we have been working with the Zoning Commission, the Department of Buildings, other agencies, and stakeholders to identify and address hurdles and inconsistencies in the District’s zoning regulations. These zoning changes will support innovative approaches for housing and efficient land utilization and provide flexibility for adaptive re-use of properties.
The Zoning Commission has set public hearing dates for the following zoning cases:
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Case 25-11, Rear Additions to semi-detached and detached houses –
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Case 25-12, “Omnibus” Text Amendment
- Public hearing date: October 30, 2025.
- For more info: see several recorded presentations on our Zoning projects landing page
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Case 25-08, RA-1 Zoning Regulations
- Public hearing date: November 6, 2025.
- For more info: See our dedicated project page
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Case 25-06, Alley Lot Regulations
- Public hearing date: November 13, 2025.
- For more info: See our dedicated project page
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Case 25-09, Connecticut Avenue NW corridor, Cleveland Park and Woodley Park
- Public hearing date: December 1, 2025
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Case 25-13, Wisconsin Avenue NW corridor, Friendship Heights to Tenleytown
- Public hearing date: December 11, 2025Â (note: official hearing notice not yet published by the Zoning Commission)
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If you are a for-profit food business located in Washington DC and looking to grow your business, apply for the 2025 Nourish DC Grant today!
$450,000 in grants are available with a preference for businesses that are locally owned, increase access to healthy food, create quality jobs, and that are located in neighborhoods lacking access to grocery stores.
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Find out more in this fact sheet or attend a webinar or office hours to learn about your eligibility and how to apply.
Learn more and get involved in our community planning projects:
Join us at the following events where OP staff will be available to answer questions and share information about OP’s work:
Left to right: DC 2050 focus group co-hosted with the Mayor's Office of Deaf, DeafBlind, & Hard of Hearing on Sep. 6; Cutting the ribbon on the Art Ave gallery in the Golden Triangle on Sep. 10
Left to right: Art All Night Bladensburg Rd on Sep. 12; Alpha Phi Alpha Omicron Community Day in Lansburgh Park on Sep. 13; H St Festival on Sep. 20
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