Two planned D.C. homeless shelters get zoning approval

Before D.C. General can close, Mayor Muriel Bowser plans on opening smaller neighborhood shelters throughout the city. This Wednesday, the Board of Zoning Adjustment gave approval to two homeless shelters planned, one in Ward 3 and one in Ward 5. More specifically, the shelters are located at 3320 Idaho Avenue NW and 1700 Rhode Island Avenue NE.

In an effort to thwart the approval, a group of Ward 3 residents unsuccessfully attempted to sue the city, arguing that they hadn’t been properly consulted, according to DCist. In an interview with WAMU, board member Lesylleé M. White said, "I think the site selection, it’s not going to make everyone happy, but I do believe that it was a very extensive process.”

Both Ward 3 and Ward 5 shelters will have 50 beds. Construction is slated to begin in November with a delivery by 2019. The cost to build seven new shelters is expected to be $130 million, reported WAMU.

• Last Two New Homeless Shelters Get Zoning Approval [DCist]

• Zoning Board Signs Off On Two D.C. Homeless Shelters, Paving Way For Closure Of D.C. General [WAMU]