Mr. Charles H. Atherton

Secretary

The Commission of Fine Arts

441 F Street, N.W., Suite 312

Washington, D.C. 20001
 

Re: S.L. 02-129 - Concept Review Application

    2800 Chesterfield Place, N.W.
 

Dear Mr. Atherton:
 

We thank the members of the Commission of Fine Arts for postponing a decision on the above application until October 17, in order to give ANC3F the opportunity to conduct a public meeting to receive community comments on the proposed construction at 2800 Chesterfield Place, N.W.

ANC3F held a special meeting on October 7, for community review of the proposed construction. Representatives of applicant, The American Master Works LLC, were present at the meeting to present the proposal for modification of the existing dwelling at 2800 Chesterfield Place and the construction of two new single family dwellings on adjacent lots which front on Broad Branch Road. The proposal presented to ANC3F provides for the re-subdivision of the three existing lots (Lots Nos. 76, 90 and 91 in Square No. 2258) into three lots of approximately 11,000 square feet each.
 

After hearing from the representatives of American Master Works and members of the community, ANC3F has concluded that the proposed plan can not be executed as a matter of right under the DC Zoning Regulations (DCMR, Title 11, Zoning) which apply to the property and will require a number of zoning variances and/or exceptions from the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment.
 

Following are some of the matters which would require consideration by the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment.
 
 

1. The proposed lots of approximately 11,000 square feet are less than the minimum lot size of 12,000 square feet (section 1519.2).
 
 

2. The rear yards of two of the proposed houses are less than the required 25 feet (section 404.1).
 
 

3. Two of the proposed houses are within 20 feet of a slope greater than 25% (section 1519.5).
 
 

4. The side yard of one house is less than the required 16 feet (section 1519.4).
 
 

5. The tree removal analysis was based on trees with a diameter of 8 inches or more whereas there are restrictions on the removal of trees with a circumference of 12 inches (diameter of approximately 3.82 inches) or more (section 1519.1).
 
 

ANC3F also concluded that plan appeared to be predicated on

the use of a public alley and the removal of one or more oaks with a diameters of 28 to 30 inches located in public space, which will require approval by the District Department of Transportation.

ANC3F also received a number of comments from residents of the community on the size of the houses, the orientation of the house on Chesterfield Place, and the impact of the houses on Rock Creek Park and Broad Branch Road.
 
 

1. There was serious concern expressed regarding the size of the houses and the impact of the houses on a hillside overlooking Rock Creek Park. It was recommended that the five to six thousand square foot houses be scaled back in size.
 
 

2. The street facade of the house on Chesterfield Place was described as “unfriendly” because it presented only a masonry and window wall to Chesterfield Place. The applicant presented a sketch for a proposed gated pedestrian entrance and vehicle entrance piers for Chesterfield Place which was rejected by the community.
 
 

3. There was concern regarding the commercial appearance in the design of the houses, including the use of aluminum doors, windows and louvers, not being consistent with the setting in proximity to Rock Creek Park.
 
 

4. There was also concern about the appearance the houses at night from Broad Branch Road caused by the large window area which could look like a “GE light bulb commercial”.
 

ANC3F at a duly noticed public meeting with a quorum present, voted 5-0-0, to recommend and urge that the Commission of Fine Arts not further consider this concept application until the zoning and public space issues have been resolved by the appropriate DC agencies.
 

The proposed project is in Robert V. Maudlin’s single member district and he is authorized to represent ANC3F before the Commission of Fine Arts.
 

Faithfully,

/s/ David J. Bardin

David J. Bardin

Secretary

cc: Zoning Administrator, DCRA
    The American Master Works LLC