Drive-Through Commerce Bank Planned for the Outer Circle Site

The former Outer Circle theatre at Wisconsin and Ellicott was recently demolished to make way for a suburban-style, drive-through Commerce Bank.

Plans call for a large curb cut on Wisconsin Avenue and a high volume of additional traffic in the neighborhood.

Because the bank is allowed by matter of right zoning, there is limited opportunity for public comment and only a slim chance of stopping it. Commerce Bank is required to get a public space permit from DDOT, and ANC 3E is currently reviewing the proposal.

This is a clear example of why we need our zoning code to reflect the pedestrian and transit-orientation of our neighborhoods. We'll have the chance to speak up about this -- stay tuned for information on DC Office of Planning’s Comprehensive Re-zoning effort this fall.

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Welsh.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Perring
www.Ward3Vision.org

Do you want another bank on Wisconsin Avenue?

Write to Councilmember Mary Cheh and ANC 3E Commissioners with your thoughts on Commerce Bank's plans. Encourage them to continue looking into ways we can weigh in on this proposal.

Mark Your Calendar:
Next Meeting on the Library

There will be an important meeting with DC Public Libraries on Wednesday, October 3, at 6 PM at the Tenley Interim Library. The meeting will focus on the design of the new library.

We expect the city to release the RFP soon -- we'll keep you updated. In the meantime, you can read our last alert on the library.