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Covering Forest Hills, Van Ness, North Cleveland Park and Wakefield

Zoning Commission is next to take up 4250 Connecticut’s renovation plans

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June 2018 rendering of a renovated 4250 Connectic Avenue (image courtesy of Bernstein Management; view the new renderings here)

Bernstein Management Corporation presented updated renderings and plans for the renovation and modernization of 4250 Connecticut Avenue at the June 19th meeting of ANC 3F.

CEO Josh Bernstein, accompanied by the architect, landscape designer and lawyer, was also asking the ANC to review and vote on Bernstein’s application for the modifications. It did so.

Bernstein is seeking a “modification of consequence” to a 1980 PUD agreement. The DC Zoning Commission is scheduled to take it up at its July 9th meeting. There is no formal hearing for public testimony, but the public has had opportunities to comment at two ANC meetings and two community meetings.

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The ANC’s resolution recommends that the DC Zoning Commission include in its findings and order:

  • That Bernstein request that Metro allow at least four “kiss and ride” parking spaces in the bus lane on the west side of the property, and to allow the kiss and ride level’s conversion into retail parking. (Metro, not Bernstein Management, controls this area.)
  • That the developer work with ANC 3F, Van Ness Main Street and other interested organizations on plantings and maintenance of the tree boxes along Connecticut Avenue.
  • And that it seek DDOT’s input on the curb cut on the north end of the property, and consult with ANC 3F and other interested parties on aesthetic and public safety concerns associated with the loading dock area.

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    The north end of the property, seen here in 2014, includes loading docks and large curb cuts to accommodate vehicles.

    The updated renderings include facade, entryway and public space details. (Here’s what Bernstein presented to ANC 3F in March.)

    Bernstein purchased 4250 Connecticut from Fannie Mae in 2016. The developer would like to begin work as soon as Fannie Mae moves out in November. The upper floors will remain office space, and the ground floor will continue to be used for retail.

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    Comments

    1. The Connection’s most recent posting on this real estate is dated September 19. Previously this year, the article above was posted on June 29, and an earlier article was posted on June 5. The June 5 article anticipated a Zoning Commission meeting would take place on June 11. This June 29 article said nothing about what the Zoning Commission did on June 11. The article above does say “The DC Zoning Commission is scheduled to take it [the modification to the 1980 PUD governing 4250 Connecticut] up at its July 9th meeting. There is no formal hearing for public testimony, but the public has had opportunities to comment at two ANC meetings and two community meetings.”

      The formal case is identified in the June 5 article as follows:

      “Modification to Approved Planned Unit Development
      “Z.C. Case No. 79-19/78-7F / Z.C. Order No. 318
      “4250 Connecticut Avenue, NW (Square 2047, Lot 1)”

      As far as I know, the Connection never did report back to the community on what happened at the July 9 meeting of the Zoning Commission.

      What did the Zoning Commission do as a result of the July 9 meeting? Did the Zoning Commission accept the recommendations adopted by the ANC?

      Have new renderings been made to show changes in these plans since March?

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