Supporters of the zoning change vastly outnumbered opponents at tonight’s zoning hearing, with about 25 people speaking in favor to only 6 opposed. The Zoning Commission didn’t take any action, but they heard the message loud and clear, and many people made terrific arguments. I’ll write a detailed recap of the meeting tomorrow.

The record is open for another month (so I’ll be pushing all of you to write in with testimony if you haven’t already!), during which time the commissioners will digest all the public submissions and learn about parking. They will give opinions in early September, after which the Office of Planning will write new and more detailed recommendations for another Zoning Commission hearing.

This was just the first of many battles, but we got off to a great start. Many commissioners were hearing about many of the issues for the first time, and they heard a great, thoughtful, and detailed introduction to the topic from our large team of great witnesses. Great job everyone!

David Alpert created Greater Greater Washington in 2008 and was its executive director until 2020. He formerly worked in tech and has lived in the Boston, San Francisco Bay, and New York metro areas in addition to Washington, DC. He lives with his wife and two children in Dupont Circle.