CSG ALERT: Shape the Future of Our City
May 10, 2006

Ensure that Washington, DC, grows to be its best. The DC Office of Planning wants to hear how YOU think the city should grow!  The Office of Planning is making revisions to the District's Comprehensive Plan, the city's long-range plan for new growth and redevelopment.  Revisions made to the plan will guide the city's growth for the next 20-30 years, so the feedback you give today is critical for the future of DC.

It's easy to make a difference!   You can:
1.  Submit comments via email
2.  Attend and speak at the June 13th public hearing
3.  Participate in a community workshop
4.  Forward this alert to friends, colleagues, and neighbors

More information:
Highlights of the proposed changes
Public hearing and workshop schedule
Links to more information

1)  Highlights of the proposed Plan revisions include:

New growth near Metro stations and transit corridors: Over the next 25 years, the Washington region will gain 2 million new residents. Our city will thrive if these residents are given transportation choices that work, including transit, walking, and bicycling. More residents living closer to jobs reduces traffic, improves local retail, benefits our air and water quality and strengthens D.C.'s tax base. These goals can be accomplished through Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), planning for new growth near Metro stations and transit corridors while conserving adjacent residential neighborhoods, and establishing urban design standards. The Plan proposes to foster a high quality mixed use, pedestrian-friendly environment offering a variety of housing choices around each station while tailoring new development to respond to the unique needs and setting of each station.

Improved transportation choices: If everyone drove to work and for errands, D.C couldn’t possibly make enough room on its roads or provide enough parking. The Plan recognizes this and pledges to use road, parking and transit resources more efficiently, and provide better alternatives to driving. The plan focuses on improving surface transit – better bus service and streetcars; improved sidewalks, streetscaping and the things that create a pedestrian-friendly place; management of parking – pricing parking so it’s available to users while encouraging alternatives, and improving transportation choices through visible carsharing vehicles; bicycle lanes, trails and racks.

More housing choices:  Our city cannot thrive without a diverse set of housing options that serves the needs of everyone in the community.  The Comprehensive Plan supports Inclusionary Zoning and other innovative policies to ensure that housing is created and preserved for D.C. residents at all income levels.

Reinvestment in D.C.'s neglected parks and public spaces: Great cities are made of great neighborhoods with safe, high quality parks and memorable public spaces. D.C. will increase planning and resources directed to neglected park land, and ensure that all neighborhoods have access to high quality open space.

2) Workshop and Public Hearing Schedule
If you can only attend one event, the Mayor's public hearing on Tuesday, June 13th is most important.  The hearing is scheduled from 1-3 PM and 5-8 PM.  To sign up to speak, call 202-442-8812 or send an email to compplan@dc.gov.

Mayor’s Public Hearing
June 13, 2006, 1:00-3:00 & 5:00-8:00 PM
One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street, NW, Old Council Chambers
Metro: Judiciary Square

The Office of Planning will also hold several workshops that include presentations on the Comprehensive Plan and time for public comment.  You may attend the workshop most convenient to you, regardless of which ward you live in.

3) For More Information
If you are interested in learning more or getting involved with the Coalition for Smarter Growth’s DC work, please contact Rebecca at rebecca(at)smartergrowth.net.

DC Office of Planning's Comprehensive Plan website

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