Tenleytown Safeway: Giant Part 2?

Safeway has been working on redevelopment plans of its Tenleytown store for the better part of a year. The most recent version has won praise from the Alliance for Rational Development noting:

ARD welcomes Safeway's modernization of its facility in our community, one which promises to provide new and improved services while at the same time respecting the tenets of rational development by respecting and protecting the essential character of our neighborhood.

GreaterGreaterWashington noted the irony of such support.

Safeway has engaged in partnerships to engage in better development proposals in other parts of the country, and in fact, this region. Why not here?

To update the story, Safeway has filed its proposal with the Zoning Commission, and the plans are being moved through the process for a hearing to seek approval. Now comes word that Safeway, or its representatives, are attempting to garner widespread support, even before releasing plans to the ANC and engaging in full community debate.

It seems that in this case, the property owner is seeking the path of least resistance en route to the granting of a PUD and building permits. In light of recent reports of housing shortages for middle income wage earners, and the strong need for workforce housing, wouldn't this be an ideal location to leverage the allowable height on the property? Rebuilding a one-story suburban grocery store within easy walking distance of two metro stations seems antithetical to the prevailing trends in urbanism. It seems that focusing some density in the allowable area and pulling the development away from the residential behind it (even stepping down using new residential) could be a preferable solution - to everyone but the ARD.

What would you suggest for this site?

Murch Captures Award

Murch Elementary has been given the Oberstar Award for excellence in implementation for its "Safe Routes to Schools" plan. Read more from the DDOT website.

Wash Post Magazine on Mary Cheh

The Washington Post Magazine has run a nice profile interview with Councilmember Mary Cheh.

According to DC Metrocentric, construction has commenced on a new development in Woodley Park. Similar to a structure across Connecticut Avenue, this new high-rise is nestled behind Wardman townhouses in a large lot just a block from the Metro Station.

DDOT Outreach Tour Hits Ward 3

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is embarking on a public outreach tour to all eight wards of the District to engage residents and businesses in the implementation of improvements proposed for the transit system for the city, including streetcars.

DDOT will be holding a series of open houses beginning later this month to present the findings of the DC's Transit Future study. DC's Transit Future studied short-term and long-term surface transit improvements for the District, potentially including additional limited-stop bus services, bus rapid transit (BRT), and streetcar services. The meetings will focus on DDOT's proposed streetcar network.

Ward 3: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 6:30pm – 8:30 pm
Stoddert Elementary, 4001 Calvert Street, NW

Tenleytown Safeway Redevelopment Website

Safeway has announced the creation of a new website with the plans and other communications associated with the redevelopment of the Tenleytown store.

Cheh Introduces Calming Legislation

Presumably in response to the acrimony over the installation of speed humps in Chevy Chase and Cleveland Park, Councilmember Cheh has introduced legislation requiring studies and community input prior to the installation of traffic calming measures.

WTOP coverage provides a little more insight.

New Information Pending on Spring Valley Munitions

WTOP is reporting that the Army Corp of Engineers will release a list of munitions discovered in Spring Valley in November.

Klingle Road Meeting

In the aftermath of what appears to be the final decision regarding Klingle Road, there is a meeting on Wednesday, October 7th to plan for the future of the passageway:

Supporters of turning the former Klingle Road into a major trail through Klingle Valley have an important step in the process coming up next week, a public meeting for the Klingle Valley Trail environmental assessment, the next step in trail building. Wednesday, October 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the National Zoo Visitor Center Auditorium at 3100 Connecticut Avenue, NW.

This public meeting is mandated by the NEPA process, and sponsored jointly by Federal and District authorities, to interact with the public about the range of alternatives for the proposed multi-use trail and drainage system improvement in Klingle Valley. Supporters, please drop by, express your support, and ensure that the Klingle Valley Trail stays on schedule. See the project web site.

Vandals Strike in Cleveland Park, Woodley park

The Washington Post updates reports on the Cleveland Park Listserv about a series of incidents along Connecticut Avenue early this morning.