1912 AW-2.3 NEAR SOUTHEAST/CAPITOL RIVERFRONT

1912.1 Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront includes the triangular area between I-695 and the Southeast Boulevard SE, South Capitol Street, and the Anacostia River. This 350-acre area has played an important role in the history of Washington, DC; its initial settlement even predates the creation of the District. In the 19th century, this was a community where residential streets came down to the river's edge, a place teeming with life and maritime activity. Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront experienced substantial disinvestment during the second half of the 20th century, which led to social and economic challenges.

1912.2 Over the last 15 years, District and federal initiatives have transformed Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront into a dynamic waterfront neighborhood and workplace. These initiatives have included the relocation of 5,000 federal employees back to the Washington Navy Yard, the redevelopment of the Arthur Capper Carrollsburg public housing development through the federal HOPE VI Program, construction of a new headquarters for the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), and the reconfiguration of the 55-acre Southeast Federal Center to allow new housing, offices, and waterfront parkland. Significant private and public investment has followed, including the construction of new office buildings, hotels, and housing, as well as Nationals Park. Signature new parks such as Yards Park, an award-winning four-acre waterfront park, are drawing thousands of visitors weekly.

1912.3 Revitalization of the Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront has been one of the cornerstones of the AWI. A 2003 AWI Urban Design Plan for the area provides a framework for its redevelopment. While many of the recommendations from the 2003 AWI Plan have been completed, future development should continue to create mixed-income housing opportunities, provide pedestrian-friendly streets, enhance neighborhood resilience to flooding and other climate threats, and establish great public spaces both on the waterfront and in the adjacent neighborhood. One of AWI's most important principles is to preserve existing low-income housing units in the area while adding thousands of units of new market rate and affordable housing.

1912.4 The Near Southeast Urban Design Plan, as part of the AWI, envisioned M Street SE as a great urban boulevard with high-density offices and apartments activated by ground floor retail space, restaurants, and civic uses. It calls for the extension of New Jersey Avenue and other streets in the District grid to the waterfront, terminating at a new shoreline park and waterfront promenade, which has been completed as Yards Park. The Near Southeast Urban Design Plan calls for the preservation of important historic resources and the respectful integration of future developments with those of historic resources. These include the majority of the Navy Yard, which is now designated as historic, and the historic street grid

and network of park reservations laid out by Pierre L'Enfant.

1912.5 Several subareas were identified by the Near Southeast Urban Design Plan, with land use and urban design goals set forth for each. These areas are South Capitol Gateway, Canal Blocks, Capper Carrollsburg, the Marine Barracks area, the 8th Street SE historic area, East M Street, the Navy Yard, the Southeast Federal Center, and the DC Water pump station area. Strategies to better connect and integrate these areas are provided. The Near Southeast Plan laid out a street and block plan for the entire area, as well as a trail system and open space framework. Guidelines for specific sites, such as Florida Rock (near the foot of South Capitol) and Maritime Plaza (the former Washington Gas site), were provided to ensure that planned development fit into the framework for the overall area.

1912.6 The Near Southeast Urban Design Plan envisioned a net increase of 4,200 housing units, 13.6 million square feet of office space, and 705,000 square feet of retail area within the area's boundaries. The Near Southeast Urban Design Plan also identified more than 40 acres of new parks and open space. Since the launch of the AWI and completion of the Near Southeast Urban Design Plan, the Capitol Riverfront area largely fulfilled the vision of these plans. As of 2017, Capitol Riverfront is now home to over 6,000 new residential units, 6.2 million square feet of office space, and 34,000 daytime employees. Over 10 acres of parks and 400,000 square feet of retail space have also been developed. Additional residential buildings, retail, and other amenities are currently planned or under construction. Collaborative planning between the District, the federal government, and the private sector has been ongoing since the Near Southeast Plan was completed and will continue during the years ahead.

1912.7 Policy AW-2.3.1: Restoring the Urban Pattern of the Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront

Facilitate redevelopment of Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront by breaking down large contiguously owned government properties into individual development parcels in scale with the traditional urban street grid. Encourage high-density mixed-use development and open space on newly configured parcels, with new buildings designed and oriented to make the most of their waterfront or near-waterfront settings.

1912.8 Policy AW-2.3.2: Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront Shoreline Access

Improve shoreline access and movement to and through Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront by eliminating real and perceived barriers, improving public space and street corridors, reducing the amount of land occupied by surface parking and industrial uses, and encouraging new land uses that maximize public activity near the waterfront. Encourage resilient shoreline design that is adaptive to flooding from storm surge and sea level rise and implement natural shorelines where possible.

1912.9 Policy A W-2.3.3: Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront Housing Opportunities

Significantly increase residential land uses in Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront, particularly in the Southeast Federal Center, Capper Carrollsburg, Canal Blocks, and South Capitol Gateway areas. Consistent with the existing zoning for these areas, mixed-use development that includes housing and commercial uses should be strongly encouraged. The mix of housing should accommodate residents of all incomes and household types.1912.10 Policy A W-2.3.4: M Street SE

Transform M Street SE into an attractive pedestrian-oriented thoroughfare, lined with retail shops and services, with upper-story office, hotels, and residential uses. The street itself should be designed as a multimodal boulevard, accommodating pedestrians, bicycles, and transit vehicles as well as cars. It should strengthen connections between Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront, Southwest, and Capitol Hill.1912.11 Policy A W-2.3.5: Restoration of the L'Enfant Plan in Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront

Restore key elements of the original L'Enfant Plan within Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront, including the District street grid, the extension of New Jersey Avenue SE and 3^rd and 4^th Streets SE to the waterfront, and the possible replacement of the Southeast/Southwest Freeway with an at-grade boulevard (Virginia Avenue SE). Amend the L'Enfant Plan designation as needed to prevent further intrusion into the New Jersey Avenue vista of the Capitol Dome or other intended street views.1912.12 Policy A W-2.3.6: Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront Urban Amenities

Leverage new and existing developments in the Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront area to create amenities, such as parks, trails, child-care facilities, civic uses, and retail space, that serve the area's residents and workforce. Encourage the redesign of Virginia Avenue Park into a more inviting park and green space that supports a wide range of users of all ages and abilities.1912.13 Policy A W-2.3.7: Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront Historic Identity

Celebrate the Near Southeast/Capitol Riverfront's history and integrate important historic and cultural resources. These resources include the Navy Yard; the future 11^th Street Bridge Park; local educational, religious, and cultural institutions; and historic landmarks, including industrial and utility buildings like the District Pumping Station.1912.14 Policy A W-2.3.8: Revitalization of Lower 8th Street SE

Support new development and active ground floor uses in the area around 8^th Street SE, south of Virginia Avenue SE, to create greater retail and residential opportunities that reinvigorate the area. Increased development will improve

linkages with areas north and west, benefit workers at the Navy Yard and existing businesses along Barracks Row and support the redesign of Virginia Avenue Park. The Planned Unit Development (PUD) process should be used to allow for additional building heights on portions of the lower 8^th Street SE corridor while not encroaching on the existing viewshed of the historic Latrobe Gate of the Navy Yard. Prioritize supporting ways to allow existing businesses to remain at potential ground floor uses in new developments.

1912.15

Policy A W-2.3.9: Development of Boathouse Row

Study ways to enhance Boathouse Row, a historic Black boating area located between the 11^th Street Bridge and the CSX freight rail bridge per the guiding principles outlined in the 2009 Boathouse Row Planning Study. Increase access to water recreation and use resilient design features to mitigate flooding and sea level rise. This area has the potential to be further developed as a recreational area with facilities and amenities to support wider community use. Support direct pedestrian and bike connections between nearby neighborhoods and the waterfront, as included in the Southeast Boulevard Project plans.

1912.16

Action A W-2.3.A: Zoning Incentives

Continue to incentivize residential uses within Near Southeast areas, such as the Capitol Gateway, the former Southeast Federal Center, and downtown zones within the Lower Anacostia/Near Southeast Planning Area. Expand and intensify zoning incentives that promote affordable housing in these areas.

1912.17

Action A W-2.3.B: Boathouse Row Recreational Uses

Ensure that zoning and land use guidance are adopted to facilitate the use of Boathouse Row as a recreational and community resource. Recreational improvements also should include equipment or design features that are appropriate for persons of all ages and physical abilities.

SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996 effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996 effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended

by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)).