June 13, 2013 · 9:13 pm

Donatelli/Blue Skye Project for Hill East Wins Support of ANC6B…With Reservations

Donatelli/Blue Skye Project for Hill East Wins Support of ANC6B…With Reservations

by Larry Janezich

Tuesday night, ANC6B voted 10 – 0 in favor of letter of support for the Donatelli/Blue Skye plan to develop two mixed use buildings on plum parcels on Reservation 13 next to the Stadium/Armory Metro Stop.  The letter stated that “While ANC6B is very disappointed that the most recent RFEI (Request for Expressions of Interest) received only one response, we urge DMPED to move forward expeditiously with the project.”

The letter went on to list some specific concerns the ANC has, which, among others included the following:

  • That the developers pursue a mix of neighborhood serving restaurants and retail stores in the retail plan
  • That the current design “falls below the standard of excellent urban design present in other Donatelli projects across the city” and ANC 6B wants to see additional improvements to the building designs
  • That DMPED and DDOT  make the project more accessible to residents traveling to the site from east of the Anacostia River
  • That ANCs 7F and 6B have an opportunity to weigh in on designs in conjunction with the Zoning Committee design review
  • That Mayor Gray and DMPED immediately develop a plan to close the temporary homeless shelter at DC General and begin transitioning homeless families and individuals into better housing options. 

Commissioner Ivan Frishberg expressed his personal concern that since Donnatelli/Blue Skye made the only offer, they have all the leverage and no incentive to make concessions on the project.  He said he felt that the ANC should push extra hard and build political alliances with colleagues in Ward 7 to impress upon the developer that they have an obligation to meet a higher standard.  Justifying his concern, Frishberg said, “I don’t trust them more than I trust any developer…I think that (the city) will take whatever they can get at the lowest possible cost.”

On May 21, WAMU News raised questions about Donatelli Development/Blue Skye Construction in a four part series on the relationship between DC developers, city officials, and campaign contributions. http://wamu.org/news/13/05/21/million_dollar_properties_1_deals

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One response to “Donatelli/Blue Skye Project for Hill East Wins Support of ANC6B…With Reservations”

  1. Keith
    June 14, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    So glad to see this going forward. It’s a great example of not letting the perfect undermine the good. This project seems like it will be an important first step. I agree with many of the ANC concerns. As far as restaurants go, it got me thinking of Ray’s the Steaks, which was off benning road and Minnesota ave, NE. It went under eventually, but had a menu that appealed to all Washingtonians.

    While agreeing with many of the ANC concerns, I puzzled by one of the them

    “◾That DMPED and DDOT make the project more accessible to residents traveling to the site from east of the Anacostia River.”

    What does this even mean? Does the ANC want more bridges built? There is car access via Pennsylvania ave bridge, east capitol st bridge, 11th street bridge. Plus it has a metro stop an is on several bus lines.

    Anyway, I hope it happens. and soon.