BNCA Meeting Minutes
April 21, 2026
Officers present: Dawn Amore, John Leibovitz, Rene McCray, Josh Bercu, Verna Clayborne, Kinyofu Mlimwengu
Presentation and Open Forum: What Does the Comprehensive Plan & FLUM Mean for Brookland?
Presenters: Rebecca Schwartzman, Cross-Systems Planner, DC Office of Planning, Lauren Marcinkowski, Public Affairs, DC Office of Planning; Open Forum and Q&A moderated by Zach Bache, ANC 5B Development, Zoning, and Land Use (DZLU) Committee
BNCA hosted its April member meeting with officials to discuss the draft DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan and proposed updates to the Future Land Use Map (FLUM). The meeting featured a presentation from Rebecca Schwartzman of the Office of Planning, followed by an extensive community question-and-answer session.
Presentation slides: https://cdn-610befd2c1ac181114e136f7.closte.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/brooklandcivic.org_dc_op_slides_03.17.26.pdf
Video recording of the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3lrH8STXmQ
The discussion focused on proposed land use changes in Brookland and along the Rhode Island Avenue corridor, how the Comprehensive Plan relates to zoning, and what these proposed changes could mean for neighborhood growth, housing, transportation, and community character.
Key Topics Discussed
Understanding the Comprehensive Plan Process
The Office of Planning explained that the current effort is part of a once-in-20-years rewrite of the District’s Comprehensive Plan, intended to guide growth and development through 2050. Unlike the 2021 update, which was a smaller amendment cycle, this process is a broader rewrite intended to simplify and modernize the plan.
Residents learned that:
- The current map is still a draft and comments will be accepted on the draft through May 17, 2026.
- Formal public comment opportunities will begin with the revised plan, expected to be released later this year.
- Final approval ultimately goes through the DC Council.
Proposed Changes in Brookland
The Office of Planning described several proposed “change areas” in Brookland, primarily near:
- the Brookland-CUA Metro station,
- the Rhode Island Avenue corridor, and
- high-frequency transit routes.
The draft proposal would shift some areas from:
- “small-scale residential” to “moderate-scale residential,” and
- “neighborhood center” to “urban center.”
Officials explained that these changes are intended to:
- support long-term housing growth,
- increase housing near transit,
- encourage mixed-use development, and
- improve access to neighborhood amenities and services.
Community Questions and Concerns
Residents raised a wide range of questions and perspectives during the discussion, including:
- how “upzoning” works,
- what rights homeowners have during zoning proceedings,
- impacts on neighborhood character,
- affordability and homeownership,
- transportation and pedestrian safety,
- green space preservation,
- infrastructure capacity, and
- the pace and scale of future development.
Some neighbors expressed concern that future zoning changes could increase development pressure on existing residential blocks or alter the character of single-family neighborhoods. Others supported additional housing growth near transit corridors, arguing that increasing housing supply can help address affordability and support local businesses. Some members expressed concern that approved development projects to bring more housing have not been built, such as Reed Street and Brookland Lanes, because financing has not been identified.
The meeting included discussion about:
- the distinction between the Comprehensive Plan and actual zoning approvals,
- how public hearings and ANC review processes work,
- how residents are notified of zoning applications, and
- the role of future public engagement opportunities.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Residents also asked how proposed growth would align with transportation planning, transit capacity, and pedestrian safety. The Office of Planning stated that the District is coordinating with agencies including DDOT and WMATA as part of the broader planning process.
How Residents Can Participate
The Office of Planning encouraged residents to continue providing feedback through the public engagement process. Community members can:
- review the draft Future Land Use Map online,
- participate in the virtual workshop,
- submit comments directly to the Office of Planning, and
- engage through ANC and community meetings.
The current public feedback period runs through May 17, 2026.
Residents can learn more and submit comments at: dc2050.com
Additional Community Updates
The meeting also included announcements from Melissa Littlepage of Councilmember Parker’s Office regarding:
- upcoming DC Council budget oversight hearings,
- parks and recreation funding concerns,
- Metro bus network redesign meetings,
- MPD public safety surveys,
- Brookland traffic and signage proposals,
- updates related to the Burroughs Elementary modernization project.
Thank you to Masala Story, our community host, for this meeting.
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