ANC 3F07 Commissioner Bob Summersgill originally sent this notice to the ANC 3F Yahoo group.
(You may download a copy of the proposed drawings from the Kuwaiti Embassy here, check for it on the ANC3F website or email Bob at bob@summersgill.net for a copy of the PDF file.)
The Kuwaiti Embassy does not have a matter of right to build in the R-2 (residential zone) area, but as long as the Foreign Missions Board of Adjustment (a part of the Board of Zoning Adjustment, BZA) doesn’t disapprove, they may build. The District and U.S. governments have an obligation to help foreign missions find adequate space for their needs, just as we would like other countries to support our ambassadorial needs. This does not mean that we cannot request changes or community benefits.
The current plans for the chancery would be 43′ tall, have underground parking and the existing staffing would be unchanged. 3883 Connecticut dwarfs the proposed chancery. The row houses on the north side of Tilden Street are on a hill, so they will end up near the same altitude as the chancery.
The plans may change depending on feedback and additional refinements.
I have concerns about environmental impact, particularly water runoff into Melvin Hazen and Rock Creek; security fences; potential loss of on-street parking; and trees on the property and in the tree boxes.
A representative of the Kuwaiti Embassy, possibly the Ambassador, will come to the January 14 meeting of ANC 3F and show their plans. ANC 3F will not be voting on the plans at the January meeting since nothing has been formally submitted to the BZA. Please come and ask questions.
The January 14 meeting will be moving to a different location, The Methodist Home, 4901 Connecticut Avenue, NW. The start time is 7:30 as usual.
Bob Summersgill
Commissioner ANC 3F07
bob@summersgill.net