W3HJ Thanks CM Frumin & Zoning Commission for Opening Case Record on Connecticut Avenue case

Press Release -

For release March 23, 2026

Contact: Gail Sonnemann,  gsonnemann@gmail.com, 202-286-0845 

Ward 3 Housing Justice (W3HJ) today released the following statement from W3HJ Convenor

Margaret Dwyer in appreciation of the opening of the record in the Zoning Case on the Connecticut Avenue Corridor. The upzoning case (25-09) proposes significant increases in density to landowners, minimal middle income housing and no lower income housing.

“On behalf of W3HJ, I want to repeat our thanks to CM Frumin for his letter of January 29, to Anthony Hood, chair of the Zoning Commission (ZC), asking that the "public should have a reasonable opportunity to review and provide comments" on the material submitted by the DC Office of Planning (OP).  CM Frumin was the only councilmember to respond to an appeal by NW Opportunity Partners CDC, the Committee of 100 for the Federal City and W3HJ to provide ample opportunity for the public to weigh in, particularly in response to the supplemental report that the ZC had directed OP to submit in response to ZC questions and concerns.  CM Frumin alone stepped up, even though the groups warned all Councilmembers that the Ward 3 upzoning cases show clearly OP’s method for upzoning groups of properties that then could become matter-of-right redevelopments in neighborhoods across the city.

We also appreciate that the ZC heard the public call for open dialogue on this – and all – zoning cases. Zoning has powerful effects on the lives of ordinary residents, and it’s reassuring to know that the ZC wants to hear our thoughts. We will take advantage of this open door and submit comments. 

Open and democratic participation in governance is critical and increasingly important in our country. W3HJ warns that recent lobbying before council for the Office of Zoning to “outline rules of engagement for councilmembers vis-a-vis the Zoning Commission, and vice-versa” is a thinly veiled attempt to limit transparent democratic participation. To the contrary W3HJ advocates for open and free conversation, because we want our elected officials to participate, weigh in, and stand up for the public interest. We look forward to working with CM Frumin and the ZC to bring needed redevelopment that includes housing options for households living on the entire continuum of incomes to Ward 3 and across the city.

Margaret Dwyer, Convenor, Ward 3 Housing Justice