by Anne Schwartz
As city officials work to address the affordable housing crisis, the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) is advocating for the creation of 1,990 affordable homes in the area west of Rock Creek Park by 2025. To make this ambitious goal a reality, a working group of congregations in Wards 3 and 4, including Temple Sinai, Adas Israel, St. Columba’s, Chevy Chase Presbyterian, and National United Methodist Church, has been identifying specific opportunities where such units can be built.
Now those opportunities are starting to become reality. Specifically, the city has begun the process of transforming the Chevy Chase Library and Recreation Center (just south of Chevy Chase Circle) into a vibrant new facility that will house both institutions plus add a significant number of affordable housing units. Because this property is city owned, it offers the most cost-effective opportunity for building housing affordable to a wider range of incomes than is typically available in Ward 3.
Temple Sinai members can join other neighbors in voicing support for the project by talking with neighbors and showing up at community events. The first of these will be a public hearing on December 15 at which the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) will hear testimony on “surplussing” the property.
The in-person hearing will be one hour from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, One Chevy Chase Circle NW. Residents may also attend via a virtual link provided by DMPED. DMPED will also take written comments or suggestions by mail or email through Dec. 29.
Later in 2023, the city will issue a formal request for proposals for developers to bid on the design and construction of this project.
Learn more about WIN’s support for the Civic Core proposal here.
Want to know more about WIN?
Experience the joy and power of interfaith action by attending WIN’s annual meeting on Thursday, December 8 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. At this meeting, WIN congregations will approve its new strategy team (including Rabbi Hannah Goldstein) and board of directors (including Barbara Kraft). Learn more about WIN’s plans for 2023 and how you can get involved to make DC a more just and equitable city. Learn More and Register