the d.c. office of planning released the 36-page “van ness commercial district action plan” on nov. 12 in an effort to guide the neighborhood toward a more sustainable and family-friendly future. the plan includes over 30 goals for the area, a handful of which could go into effect as soon as next year, with others following over the next five to ten years.

“the van ness commercial district has the potential to improve its retail offerings and public space while showcasing world class sustainability measures by leveraging its substantial daytime population, accessibility, and the well-established surrounding neighborhoods,” the plan states.

the proposal is highly focused on creating a cohesive streetscape for the area by improving lands caping and creating gathering places along the largely empty connecticut avenue sidewalks. expanded treeboxes serve as an added buffer between pedestrians and traffic and, along with permeable pavement, create a stormwater management system which catches rainwater before it runs off.

at the same time, the plan hopes to bring a diversity of retailers to the neighborhood, including clothing shops and casual dining locations that are suitable for both families and students.

the university of the district of columbia is already adding to the area, with the construction of a new student center that the report says will be an attractive space for the entire community, as well as the redevelopment of the school’s law building. meanwhile, the park van ness building, at 4455 connecticut ave., will deliver 273 apartment units and 9,000 square feet of ground-floor retail when completed in 2016.

some of the plan’s short-term goals include new artwork along connecticut avenue, high-efficiency led streetlamps and a public recycling program, all implemented over the next two to five years.

the plan emphasizes van ness’ role as a commercial center along metro’s red line with potential to attract visitors from all over the district.

“a repositioned commercial district will redefine the community as an energetic, lush place that attracts new customers and allows residents, students, and workers to come together,” the plan says.

(editor’s note: this piece originally appeared in the eagle online.)

the office released a 32-page “adams morgan vision framework” plan outlining 17 long-term goals for the neighborhood, including increasing cultural diversification, embracing the neighborhood’s history and strengthening local retail. plans for developing new community spaces and adding sustainability programs are two of the most emphasized aspects of the proposal.

one proposal includes revamping unity park along columbia road to make it more of a destination for members of the neighborhood.

“once a place for vibrant, episodic commerce, the park’s utility is waning and its design stagnating relative to the liveliness of the corridor,” the plan says. in the future, the park could include more trees, seating and shaded spaces, and may even serve as a space for farmer’s markets, artistic events and concerts.

the plan also proposes adding a new park to the neighborhood at the corner of 18th street and columbia road. the area currently has about 5,000 square feet of unused concrete space, according to the plan, that could be transformed into a more usable community green space.

goals regarding a long-term sustainability plan for the neighborhood include creating a “sustainability task force,” implementing a new composting program and reaching a target of 25 percent of high-performing, solar paneled rooftops.

the plan praises the neighborhood’s current walkability, multiculturalism and emphasis on locality, but also seeks to enhance each of these facets to promote adams morgan’s artistic and cultural history.

“the vision framework tells a narrative of the neighborhood by unpacking its important cultural and historical aspects and building on them to ensure adams morgan retains relevancy and competitiveness in the context of a growing city,” the plan says.

(editor’s note: this piece originally appeared in the eagle online.)