Incumbent, Uncontested
email: gawain4anc@gmail.com
Twitter: @gawain4anc
Newsletter/website: https://anc3c07.substack.com/
CPSG Endorses Gawain Kripke for 3C07 – Incumbent Gawain Kripke almost wishes he had an opponent because he loves getting out and talking to neighbors about the issues in the neighborhood. He will be doing that anyway even though he running opposed. Kripke’s responses to our questionnaire echo how he has served and voted as a commissioner in his first term: committed to expanding inclusivity and being purposeful at getting rid of the area’s history of exclusivity so more people can enjoy living in our high opportunity community. He has been a big supporter of protected bike lanes stressing both safety and equity. His leadership of the Grants committee on ANC 3C demonstrated a commitment to spending 3C resources to improve, educate, and provide aid to the area, even when it seemed the Office ANC was working just as hard against these goals. Woodley Park is lucky to have Kripke for another term!
CPSG ANC 3C Questionnaire
1) Later this year or early next, the DC Zoning Commission will consider changes to the zoning code for the commercial areas in Cleveland Park and Woodley Park along Connecticut Ave to increase the allowable height and density, based on recommendations made in the Connecticut Ave Development Guidelines. ANC3C will be asked to weigh in on the rezoning and its views will be given great weight.
Question: Do you support the recommended zoning changes and design strategies spelled out in the Guidelines for these commercial areas? (Yes / No)
If yes, explain what you think the benefits will be for the area.
If no, explain why and/or any alternative you would propose.
Answer: YES. I appreciate the extensive and consultative progress the Office of Planning has undertaken to produce these new guidelines. In general, concentrating development along the commercial areas is a good idea and would have multiple benefits for our community. Our community should welcome new neighbors and create an inclusive environment by encouraging new housing construction and increased density where feasible and appropriate.
2) Earlier this year, Mayor Bowser changed her mind and halted any further planning for protected bike lanes on Connecticut Ave.
Question: If presented with the opportunity to revive the planning for protected bike lanes on Connecticut Ave, would you support it? (Yes / No)
If yes, explain what you think the benefits will be for the area.
If no, explain why and/or any alternative you would propose.
Answer: YES. Connecticut Avenue is a dangerous road and needs safety improvements. Bike lanes will make cycling and using other forms of micro-mobility (like scooters) safer and more fun. Other parts of the city are benefiting from improved and diverse modes of transportation, why should we be left out? This is especially important for residents who don’t drive or have cars, including children and lower-income households. Connecticut Avenue isn’t just a thoroughfare, it’s a neighborhood street with loads of stores, groceries, restaurants, and other businesses that neighbors want to access.
3) Earlier this year, Cleveland Park Smart Growth partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University grad student, Mac Hyde, on a planning study to consider how gentle density could be added to the single-family-only zoned residential areas around the Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, and Van Ness Metro stations. The recommendations from the study were to allow for multi-family residences while keeping the building sizes allowed for single-family zones houses.
Question: Would you be open to ANC 3C initiating a zoning change to allow for house-sized apartments, or conversion of single-family homes into multi-family, in the residential areas roughly within a half-mile of the Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, and Van Ness Metro stations? (Yes / No)
If yes, explain what you think the benefits will be for the area.
If no, explain why and/or any alternative you would propose.
Answer: Yes. 1. We should be looking for a variety of options to fulfill our obligation to build more housing in this part of the city. 2. There are many multi-family buildings that fit nicely into our neighborhoods – they were built before zoning regulations prohibited buildling new ones. Adding this kind of density does not disrupt the neighborhood or the look and feel. And maximizing proximity to transit is a great contribution to our future.
4) Question: Please tell us anything else about you and your decision to run for ANC that you would like the members of CPSG and the broader community to know about you.
Answer: I’m motivated by my affection for my neighbors and my community. That’s why I ran in the first place. We want to build and sustain fun, safe, and dynamic neighborhoods that are vibrant and inclusive.
Cleveland Park Smart Growth 