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BZA Case Update: 1264 Holbrook Terrace
On April 19th the developer of the property at 1264 Holbrook Terrace, ANC Commissioner 5D02 Keisha Shropshire, and concerned neighbors and citizens representing the Holbrook Terrace Alliance appeared before the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for a hearing on the proposed development under review (BZA Case 19173). There have been several community meetings about the proposed project and extensive negotiations between the developer and immediate neighbors. The hearing can be viewed on-line at the BZA website. There are two sections to the video. The first is prior to the late arrival of the party status group. The second lengthy section (over two hours) covers the discussion on the project.
(Photo from the BZA website documents)
The project has been significantly revised since it was first proposed and discussed with the neighborhood. After feedback from the Office of Planning and discussions with the community, the developer no longer seeks an 8-unit building but to subdivide the lot into lower density row developments that reflects the character of the street. There are two lots that would then be developed as matter of right development under the R-4 regulations (under 35 ft in height is one of the regulations, for example) and one lot requires relief to have a three-unit building (2,700 sq ft lot).
One item of note in the changes is that in the previous plans for an 8-unit building there would have been 3 inclusionary zoning units, or affordable housing units. With the new plans presented to the BZA on April 19th there will not be inclusionary zoning units as there will be fewer overall units and the developer is looking at three separate buildings instead of one larger building.
Some items requested at the end of the hearing are noted here along with new dates for a continued hearing.
Items requested by the BZA:
- The developer will submit a revised shadow study from the same angle.
- The developer is also to present clearer design plans to show that the project is a conversion to a multi unit dwelling and not a new building.
- They are also to present by right plans so that the community and BZA board can have all information for a clearer understanding of the project and its implications on neighbors. The BZA board noted that the community cannot get everything they want and if a matter of right building is constructed on the space there will likely be greater adverse impact on the community and immediate neighbors. They also noted that the neighbors will not be involved in the process nor consulted if a by right construction happens.
- Side elevations of the existing property and proposed building was also requested.
- The neighbors have been asked as a community to list and prioritize what the top priorities are for the development and to work with the developer to come up with a scenario that all can agree with or live with going forward. This list is to be shared with the developer and the BZA Board.
- Photographs that can be uploaded onto the website to show neighborhood character and existing buildings was also requested.
New dates for the continued hearing are:
May 5: The community priorities would need to be submitted to the BZA
May 10: Materials from the developer in response to the priorities would need to be submitted to the BZA
May 13: Any community responses on the new drawings would need to be submitted to the BZA
May 17: The continued hearing before the BZA
TNA will post news we have of any additional meetings leading up to the next hearing date. We hope that everyone keeps informed and stays involved in developments in our community.
ANC 5D Meeting Tonight
The monthly Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 5D meeting is tonight starting at 7:00 pm at the Fifth District Police Substation (1805 Bladensburg Road NE). The agenda for the meeting is on the ANC5D website. Tonight there will be presentations by the Board of Elections and Ethics, Casey Trees, Arcadia Mobile Market, and the DC Streetcar as well as community action items.
One community action item on the agenda specific to Trinidad is discussion of the development project at 1264 Holbrook Terrace NE. The developer is requesting a special exception to convert a building to an eight-unit condo building. Over the past few months Commissioner Shropshire (ANC 5D02) has held community meetings on this project. Last month the ANC filed an opposition to the special exception, based on feedback from the community. Any revisions to the ANC stance are due as the project does go before the Board of Zoning Adjustment for review on April 19th, where community feedback will be considered in the final ruling.
If you have not had a chance to attend an ANC meeting, tonight is one where you can see how local governance at the ANC level can impact development in our neighborhood.
Meeting Tonight re: 1264 Holbrook Terrace NE
Tonight at Trinidad Recreation Center there is a meeting about the development at 1264 Holbrook Terrace NE. Please see information below from Commissioner Shropshire.
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Sending a friendly reminder about the meeting this evening with the BZA Applicant 19173 (1264 Holbrook Terrace NE) at Trinidad Rec Center at 7 pm. We are meeting with them so that they can share their proposed changes based on community feedback.
BZA Applicant 19168 will not meet with us this evening. This applicant indicated that they have interest in withdrawing their BZA application which requested special exemption for additional 4.2 feet, and they plan to renovate by right within the permissable 35 feet based on community feedback. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Keisha
Keisha L Shropshire
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, 5D02
Cell: 404-245-6772
Twitter: shropanc5d02
Upcoming Events in February
Trinidad Craft Salon: This first of three crafting salons will be held this evening, February 8th, at 7 pm at Capital Fringe (1358 Florida Avenue). See our previous post for additional details and come nurture your creative side.
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5D Meeting: The next ANC5D meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 9th at 7 pm. Meetings are at the 5th District Police Station on Bladensburg Road. The agenda is posted on the ANC5D website. There are two very important items for development variances on the agenda that impact Trinidad. These are the properties at 1258 and 1264 Holbrook Terrance NE.
Trinidad Neighborhood Association Meeting: February 23rd is the next scheduled TNA meeting. Presenters include the Department of Employment Services (DOES) covering jobs and job training programs, the Metropolitan Police Department, and representatives of the Mayor’s and Councilmember’s offices. The meeting will be held at 7 pm at the Trinidad Recreation Center (1310 Childress Street NE).
Ward 5 Young Professionals Networking Mixer: This event is being held at Union Social (100 Florida Ave NE) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 25th. This event is being organized by Councilmember McDuffie’s office.
Overnight: Gunshots on Holbrook Terrace and Stabbing at Layla Lounge
The Police Department issued the following alert by email yesterday after 11:30 pm:
“Alert: 5D is working a confirmed shooting at 1128 HOLBROOK TER NE DC.
DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/ EVENT #I20150612057
Sent to 5th District (PSA 501-507) Alert DC
Sent by MPD Cad #7623”
The Twitter notice provided additional details:
No additional information has been posted on that event and there was no victim identified in the shooting. Anyone with information should contact MPD.
There was also a stabbing incident last night at Layla Lounge near Union Market on Morse Street. The press release from MPD on the homicide is below.
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Public Information Office 202-727-4383
October 22, 2015
Homicide: 500 Block of Morse Street, Northeast
(Washington, DC) – Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating a homicide that took place in the 500 block of Morse Street, Northeast, on Thursday, October 22, 2015, at approximately 1:10 am.
Members of the Fifth District responded to the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, they located an adult male within the block suffering from stab wounds, who was unconscious and unresponsive. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to area hospital. The victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The decedent has been identified as 19-year-old Eric Jones of Clinton, Maryland.
The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.
BREAKING NEWS: 19 Year Old Arrested for Murder of Heineken McNeil (UPDATE with MPD press release)
Mayor Bowser and Police Chief Lanier held a press conference this afternoon regarding violent crime and homicide in DC and the uptick in incidents this summer. They also announced an arrest in a recent murder.
Today Zacchaeus Blanding was arrested in the brutal murder of Heineken McNeil. Mr. NcNeil was found murdered on Holbrook Terrace NE on June 23rd. Initially this murder was thought to be the result of a neighborhood feud and that belief sparked other violence in Trinidad, according to Mayor Bowser and Chief Lanier. It was not a rivalry or a feud but in fact the suspect and victim were friends and knew each other. The suspect and victim were noted to be associates in the same neighborhood.
Zacchaeus Blanding, aged 19, has been charged with second degree murder. Chief Lanier would not comment on possible motives for the murder.
Our thoughts are with Heineken McNeil’s family as they mourn and seek closure.
The MPD Press Release is below:
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Arrest made in Homicide 1200 block of Holbrook Terrace Northeast
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced an arrest has been made in the homicide that occurred on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at approximately 5:42 am.
Members of the Fifth District and DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the report of a fire in the 1200 block of Holbrook Terrace, Northeast. Upon extinguishing the fire, human remains were discovered.
On Wednesday, June 24, 2015, members of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be gunshot wounds and the manner of death is homicide.
On Wednesday, July 8, 2015 pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) arrested 19 year-old Zacchaeus Blanding of Northeast, DC. He was charged with Murder Two While Armed for the shooting death of 19 year-old Heineken McNeil.
BREAKING NEWS: Possible Arrest in Homicide Case (Holbrook Terrace)
WUSA 9 is citing police sources and reporting a possible arrest in the June 23rd murder on Holbrook Terrace.
WASHINGTON (WUSA9) — There are new developments and a possible arrest in the case of a burned body found in a trash can in D.C. last month, according to a police source.
PREVIOUS STORY: Body found burning in NE, D.C. trash can
The remains of 19-year-old Heineken McNeil of Southeast D.C. were found at approximately 5:42 a.m. on June 23 in the 1200 block of Holbrook Terrace NE. Officers were called to the scene for a report of a trash can on fire. Once the fire was extinguished, officers found McNeil’s remains. They later discovered that he had died from a gunshot wound before the fire.
RELATED STORY: Man found in burning trash can identified
His death was being investigated as a homicide.
Police chief Cathy Lanier and Mayor Muriel Bowser are expected to give an update on the case at Metropolitan Police Department’s headquarters on Wednesday afternoon. We will have the latest details here as we receive them.
Breaking News: Victim Identified in Holbrook Terrace Homicide
MPD has identified the body found in a burning trash can on Holbrook Terrace on the morning of June 23rd as 19 year-old Heineken McNeil, of Southeast DC. Washington Post, WUSA 9 and Fox5 News report on this news. Our condolences to the victim’s family.
The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be gunshot wounds and thus the case is being investigated as a homicide. Any information on the case can be shared with MPD by calling 202-727-9099 or texting 50411.
Ongoing Homicide Investigations
There still is not a lot of information on last Tuesday’s gruesome crime on Holbrook Terrace and only speculation about it being connected to the July 17 shooting of 25-year-old Larry Michael Lockhart on Orren St or Friday night’s shooting of 23-year-old Jeffery Cortez Johnson on Raum St, both of which have been ruled homicides.
MPD announced that the death of the unidentified victim found in a burning trash can behind a long-vacant home in the 1200 block of Holbrook Terrace NE has been ruled a homicide. On Wednesday, June 24, 2015, members of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be gunshot wounds and the manner of death is homicide. It was also determined that the decedent is a black male. The investigation is ongoing.
MPD has shared that they are getting a lot of tips from the community and that even small bits of information help them piece together the larger puzzle. At a recent TNA meeting, Commander Fitzgerald indicated MPD was close to closing the Larry Lockhart homicide investigation. Please contact MPD with any information you may have.
The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.
Breaking News: Burned Body Found in Trash Can on Holbrook Terrace
Fox5 News’ @JenniferDavisDC is reporting a gruesome crime in Trinidad this morning. Police were called out for a burning trash can in the alley behind the 1200 block of Holbrook Terrace NE around 6am and found a body inside. Chief Lanier and Council Member McDuffie were on the scene. This is all we know right now.
Trinidad Neighborhood Association 