Dear PoP – What are the Central Union Mission Plans?

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“Dear PoP,

Do you have any details on this project mentioned below? I think we need to know what exactly Central Union Mission is planning. Building a shelter or more subsidized housing in Columbia Heights or Petworth is a step in the wrong direction. I think now is the time for some community action to make sure the thoughts of the community are heard.”

ANC1A Special Public Meeting
Wednesday, September 16th
7PM
Location: TBA

Agenda

Official Business
Official Business is limited to 5 minutes of presentation (unless extended by the commission) followed by questions from the commission and audience until a motion to close discussion is passed, followed by an official ANC vote.

ANC1A will consider the BZA Application for the Central Union Mission’s affordable housing project on Georgia Avenue.

Case Number : 17717
Case Name : Application of Central Union Mission
Case Summary : (Special Exceptions) pursuant to 11 DCMR § 3104.1, for a special exception to allow the construction of a mixed-use building with community-based residential facility and ground floor retail (totaling in excess of 12,000 sq. ft. of land area) pursuant to subsection 1329.2(b) (ZC Case No. 06-48), in the GA/C-3-A District at premises 3506-3512 Georgia Avenue, N.W. and 714 Newton Place, N.W. (Square 2895, Lots 825, 826, 830 and 831).
ANC : 1A08

Last we heard about this in April 2008 the Central Union Mission was not coming to Georgia Ave. At the time Council Member Graham wrote:

“We have re-defined the project to include real progress for lower Georgia Avenue. Instead of a 170-bed men’s shelter on the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, there will now be mixed-income housing.”

So it seems that mixed-income housing would be a fine fit for that location. I had concerns with a 170-bed shelter but I have no problem with mixed-income housing. What do you guys think? Anyone have more specific plans?