With hopes to stop the construction of a roughly 60-unit condo building with ground-level retail in Adams Morgan, two community groups are suing D.C.-based developers PN Hoffman and Potomac Investment Properties, arguing that the site serves as an essential neighborhood focal point.
WAMU reported that the lawsuit was filed by the Kalorama Citizens Association and Adams Morgan for Reasonable Development. In the lawsuit, it reads:
“The plaza has been open continuously for public use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for about 38 years. The farmers market, political, social, cultural, and other public uses of the plaza have continued uninterrupted since Perpetual [the former owner] dedicated the plaza to public use ... The loss of the plaza would undermine community health and adversely affect the livability and vibrancy of the Adams Morgan neighborhood.”
The Historic Preservation Review Board has already approved the planned $30 million redevelopment of the site, despite ANC 1C unanimously voting against the project that has been described as too big and too high. The finished project will include a smaller public plaza, but the two community groups told WAMU that the size of this plaza won’t be sufficient to host a farmers market.
For now, Kalorama Citizens Association and Adams Morgan for Reasonable Development hope to ask a judge to put a hold on the development.
• Community Groups Sue To Stop Construction Of Condo Building On Adams Morgan Plaza [WAMU]
• One of D.C.’s most controversial projects clears final regulatory hurdle [Curbed DC]