Harriet Tregoning: Planning DC's Future
The District is in the midst of transformation: new mixed-use projects are popping up along dormant corridors; bike lanes and light rail are creating new transportation options; big-box store projects are promising new shopping options to many low-income neighborhoods. But these new developments also tend to stir up old animosities among neighborhood activists and interest groups. We talk with Harriet Tregoning, Director of the DC Office of Planning.
Guests
Video Extra
The Director of D.C.'s Office of Planning Harriet Tregoning discusses why the city needs more retail options. She cites loss of revenue because of "leakage" -- District residents spending money outside city lines. Tregoning also discusses the imminent arrival of new big-box developments, including Wal-Mart, and the likely effects, positive and negative:
Harriet Tregoning discusses how design and architecture plans are reviewed in the District, and what zoning codes say about "pop up" and "tear down" structures. She also talks about whether "conservation districts" might be an alternative to "historic district" designation:
Harriet Tregoning discusses redevelopment plans for the Walter Reed Medical Center. While the federal government has not yet finalized the division of the site, the District could now be allocated the entire frontage along Georgia Avenue.
Comments
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Director Tregoning -
Curious what your take is on implementing Neighborhood Conservation Districts to help mitigate development pressures. (I have heard anecdotally that the Office of Planning is not in favor of these).
While Historic Districts can control development, they are increasingly unpopular and unsuitable for certain neighborhoods.
Conservation Districts would provide a more flexible alternative for residents to protect the character of their neighborhoods without the more onerous and burdensome aspects of a historic preservation district.
Thank you.
It was mentioned that DC is under retailed...to really have a strong local community you need local stores. For instance for every $100 you spend at a local store, $45 of that stays in the community while shopping at a chain only $12 to $13 stay in the community. Keep it local and don't give away the farm to have a vibrant retail area and community.
What is the current status of the McMillan project?
This 25-acre irreplaceable historic treasure has been presented to developers as a HUGELY profitable opportunity. Despite neighborhood concerns, particularly regarding traffic and environmental impact, current development proposals include over 2 million square feet of commercial development and approximately 1200 housing units.
All this in a neighborhood that has little or no access to public green space or recreation areas.
How will proposed development TRULY impact surrounding neighborhoods? How will neighbors experience these changes??
Please visit www.ourmcmillna.com for more information.
Let's talk about transit. Given the initial design of Metro was clearly for bringing commuters in and out of the District, not getting around inside it and given it's woes - it seems to have lost its luster with Federal employees and has difficulty stepping up to meet the needs of both types of consumers. How do you think the District can become an even greater city with its transit system so limiting?
Second, street cars. How can NCPC advocate for transit use and demand the Federal agencies whose projects they oversee reduce parking then turn around and create barriers to the creation of transit alternatives? That seems at cross purposes.
Speaking of markets can you get s a Wegmans?