A Zoning Change Could Result in Big Development Plans at Deanwood Metro Station

• January 26th

by UrbanTurf Staff

A zoning change at the Deanwood Metro station could pave the way for more transit-oriented development in Ward 7.

The Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking a map amendment to rezone the WMATA-owned properties located at the Deanwood Metro station and bus loop facility to help facilitate mixed-use development around the station. Those properties include the bus turnaround and related buildings, the surface parking lot, and the “kiss and ride” drop off area. 

"The Applicant requests a Zoning Map amendment to rezone the Property to the MU-5B zone," a recently filed zoning application stated. "The MU-5 zones are specifically intended to permit medium-density, compact mixed-use development with an emphasis on residential use, and that provide facilities for shopping and business needs."

This isn't the first time that a mixed used development plan has been pitched for the station. In 2018, WMATA was going to move forward with eliminating the Park and Ride surface lot at the station (map) to make way for a new development. That effort was deferred until the city authorized the updated Comprehensive Plan. 

Last year, WMATA authorized joint development solicitations for seven of its stations, including Deanwood. These solicitations are part of WMATA's 10-year strategic plan aimed at creating mixed-use projects around upwards of 20 of its stations. 

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/a_zoning_change_could_result_in_big_development_plans_at_deanwood_metro_sta/21903.