Snow also presented rough sketches for the future KIPP College Prep High School. Based on preliminary cost-analysis and site assessment, Snow said that building a new facility utilizing the entire area could be a more costeffective choice than a renovation. KIPP would add a multi-use athletic field, which through a license agreement with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), would be open to the community. KIPP is also working with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to help alleviate traffic issues in the area. Kipp would like to have community input in the project.
Uline Arena
The Commission discussed potential changes to the Douglas Development’s zoning and public space applications for the Uline Arena project. Business owners located on Congress Street, which dead-ends into the arena, could lose parking and loading spaces thanks to the development’s garage opening on the northern end. Also, the developers have been working with DDOT to create traffic-calming measures for the area. They propos curb cuts on Congress Street for cars and on Second Street or Delaware Avenue for trucks to permit access into the garage. The developer also proposed a parking and loading zone on the left side of Congress and two-way traffic on the other. The Commission voted to support the curb cut application with a five-zero vote. One resident questioned how the developer will preserve Uline Arena, a historic building, while addressing its health and safety issues. While filming an event there, she said that attendees became sick after breathing polluted air. Also, with stalactites, stalagmites and cracks growing in the building, she described the arena as a “toxic cave.” One of Douglas’ project managers answered that the firm hired a structural engineer to conduct an investigation on the roof and the historic ice house. Douglas also hired an environmental hygienist to perform hazmat abatement work, as required by DC law. H
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HillRag | September 2013 H 51