Developers Seek Clarity on Zoning for West Heating Plant at Industry Meeting

Developers seeking clarification on potential development opportunities on the West Heating Plant, a 2-acres parcel at Georgetown's southeastern most corner, were left without much clarity after an Industry Meeting held by the General Services Administration (GSA) Thursday.

GSA is overseeing the sale of the excess federal property on 29th Street just north of K Street, NW, bordering Rock Creek and the C&O Canal. No auction date has been set.

Though GSA's description of the site assumed the potential land use for the property would be similar to that of neighboring properties, which are primarily mixed use, residential and hotels, the Office of Planning said the the W-2 zoning would not be applied at this site.

The existing building is taller than the 60 feet W-2 zoning normally allows, according to Jennifer Steingasser, the deputy director for development review and historic preservation at the D.C. Office of Planning. She added that she expects this site to go through a planned unit development process (PUD) to determine the appropriate use and zoning for any proposed project

In short, "We would zone for the project," she said, explaining that any zoning applied to the site would evolve from discussions with the development team to get to the right zoning for a preferred project.

One developer, who did not give his name, asked about the process for potentially developing the large swath of green space proposed on a portion of the property in the comprehensive plan.

"We're expecting general compliance with the comprehensive plan," said Steingasser, who added, "The community would be very hesitant" to allow any such development.

Ultimately Steingasser said "it would be difficult" for a future owner to develop the green area defined by the comprehensive plan. 

Earlier in the presentation David Maloney, the D.C. State Historic Preservation officer, advised the meeting's attendees that Georgetown would be very involved in any future site development.

"Georgetown, as you may know, has a very active public constituency," said Maloney.

Among the more outspoken attendees were Anthony Lanier from EastBanc, Inc., which owns many properties in Georgetown, and Charlie McGrath from MRP Realty, which currently owns and is renovating the Washington Harbour.