Section 10-A1700. OVERVIEW

 

1700.1The Far Northeast and Southeast Planning Area encompasses the 8.3 square miles located east of I-295 and north of Naylor Road SE. Its boundaries are shown in the Map at left. Most of this area has historically been Ward 7 although in past decades, parts have been included in Wards 6 and 8. 1700.1

 

1700.2Far Northeast and Southeast is known for its stable, attractive neighborhoods and its diverse mix of housing. It includes single-family communities like Hillcrest, Eastland Gardens, and Penn Branch; row house and semi-detached housing neighborhoods such as Twining, River Terrace, and Fairlawn; and apartment communities like Naylor Gardens, Mayfair Mansions, and Lincoln Heights. The area has an excellent transportation network, including the Minnesota Avenue, Benning Road, and Deanwood Metrorail stations, Interstate 295, and several major avenues linking neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River to Central Washington. The community is home to Fort Dupont Park-one of the largest parks in the city and a center of community life for generations. It includes shopping centers like East of the River Park and Skyland, and small neighborhood commercial districts along Pennsylvania Avenue, Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, and other local streets and arterials. 1700.2

 

1700.3Far Northeast and Southeast has always had a strong sense of community spirit, due in part to a well-organized network of community associations, churches, and interest groups. These groups include non-profits like the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, cultural organizations like the East of the River Community Arts Program, and neighborhood groups such as the Deanwood Citizens Association and the Benning Ridge Civic Association. For years, activities like Minnesota Avenue Day and the Fort Dupont Summer Concert Series have built community pride and entertained residents and visitors. Far Northeast and Southeast also has a historic tradition of being strongly connected to its natural landscape, dating back to its origins as an agricultural community. Small backyard gardens may be found throughout the community today, even in apartment complexes and public housing. 1700.3

 

1700.4The area is not without its challenges. Between 1990 and 2000, Far Northeast and Southeast experienced an 11 percent decline in population, an increase in its poverty rate, and an increase in its percentage of singlemother households. Its crime rate and unemployment rate are both above the city average, and many residents must travel long distances for shopping, education, and basic services. Many middle class families left the neighborhoods of Far Northeast and Southeast during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, and schools and other community services have suffered as a consequence. 1700.4

 

1700.5Far Northeast & Southeast Area Element

 

These issues must be addressed before the Far Northeast and Southeast community can reach its full potential. And they must be addressed in a way that benefits existing residents as well as new residents who may be attracted to the area by its relatively affordable housing and other amenities. Broader prosperity in Far Northeast and Southeast should not be gained at the expense of those who have helped build and sustain the community for generations. While a high priority will be placed on bringing middle class and working families back to this community, an even higher priority must be placed on improving the quality of life for the individuals and families who live here today. 1700.5

 

1700.6This Planning Area has seen significant change during recent years. More than 1,000 housing units have been constructed since 2000 alone, and many more have been renovated. New developments like Fort Chaplin Woods and Dupont Commons are creating more diverse housing choices and opportunities. At the same time, demolition of former public housing projects such as East Capitol Dwellings has removed over 1,000 units from the area’s housing stock since 2000, resulting in a net loss of total households in the last five years. 1700.6

 

1700.7Non-residential development in Far Northeast and Southeast has lagged behind the rest of the city. In fact, most of the recent non-residential construction has consisted of reinvestment in public facilities such as schools and recreation centers. This may change in the coming years, as new shopping areas are developed at Skyland and East Capitol Gateway, and new businesses and services open along Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Minnesota Avenue, at Kenilworth-Parkside, and elsewhere in the community. 1700.7

 

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.