Section 10-A1815. FSS-2.5 CONGRESS HEIGHTS COMMERCIAL DISTRICT

 

1815.1This Policy Focus Area extends along Martin Luther King Jr Avenue from the edge of the St. Elizabeths Campus south to the intersection of South Capitol Street. Land uses are mostly commercial between St. Elizabeths and Alabama Avenue and residential between Alabama Avenue and South Capitol. There are a range of other uses along this mile-long corridor, including churches, nonprofits, and health clinics. The heart of the area is the intersection of Malcolm X Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, which is the main commercial center for the Congress Heights community. 1815.1

 

1815.2Previous Comprehensive Plans for the city have identified this business district for revitalization, and a number of city and non-profit initiatives have been launched to assist in its renewal. In 2005, the corridor was named as part of the city’s Great Streets program. Its proximity to the redeveloping St. Elizabeths Campus means that it will continue to be an important center of neighborhood commerce. Efforts to strengthen and revitalize the corridor should continue, with infill development creating opportunities for new business and housing. 1815.2

 

1815.3  Policy FSS-2.5.1: Martin Luther King, Jr/ Malcolm X Business District

 

Encourage a major new retail commercial node at medium density at Martin Luther King Jr Avenue and Malcolm X Avenue.  Strengthen this area as the commercial hub of the Congress Heights neighborhood, and upgrade the mix of uses to better meet neighborhood needs.  Enhance the opportunities to grow existing businesses in the area and offer incentive for new small and local businesses.  Any increase in zoning or density around the Metro station shall only be available through a planned unit development with the expectation that commensurate benefits shall accrue to the neighborhood in terms of education and job opportunities, new and affordable housing for homeownership, improved urban design, and public infrastructure improvements.  The planned unit development shall provide civic and cultural amenities, promote quality in the design of buildings and public spaces, support local schools; create opportunities for cultural events and public art, and enhance the public realm by addressing safety and cleanliness issues.

 

1815.4  Policy FSS-2.5.2: Great Street Housing Opportunities

 

Pursue opportunities for additional multi-family housing with ground floor retail or office uses at medium density, along the Martin Luther King Jr Avenue corridor between St. Elizabeths Hospital and Alabama Avenue.

 

1815.5Policy FSS-2.5.3: Business Improvement

 

Support the continued efforts of local merchants to improve the Congress Heights shopping district, provide adequate off-street parking and loading areas, manage on-street parking more effectively, and enhance building facades and storefronts. 1815.5

 

 

1815.6Action FSS-2.5.A: Coordination with St. Elizabeths Development

 

Coordinate planning and reinvestment activities along the Martin Luther King Jr Avenue corridor with planning and development of the St. Elizabeths Campus. Recognize the opportunity for new businesses and services to meet the future demand created by new jobs and housing on the former Hospital site. 1815.6

 

1815.7Action FSS-2.5.B: Main Street Designation

 

Consider the designation of the Martin Luther King Jr Avenue commercial district as a Main Street under the District’s Main Streets program. 1815.7

 

authority

Pursuant to the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1-306.01 et seq.), the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: District Elements of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (10 DCMR A300 through A2520) (“Comprehensive Plan”).

source

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300) published at 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361) published at 58 DCR 908, 928 (February 4, 2011).

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.