The Advisory Neighborhood Commission of Georgetown unanimously voted in favor of a resolution granting Tudor Place more time and continued discussions for a $10 million renovation project last night.
The resolution was passed after a half-hour fiery discussion among representatives of Tudor Place and the neighborhood of Georgetown concerning the effects the project will have on the community.
The proposed project would add four renovated buildings to the historic house located on 31st street. As Leslie Buhler, Executive Director of Tudor Place stated, the project would create a greenhouse, education center, visitor center, and add storage space. Buhler explained the necessity for the project saying if the plan does not go into effect Tudor Place will not be able to sustain itself. She said, “ People think Tudor Place is wealthy. It is not. Historic houses are closing all over the country…our goal is to preserve this landmark house.”
The historic building in debate is located at 1644 31st street and was the home of Martha Peter, the step granddaughter of George Washington. Tudor Place, a mansion overlooking the Potomac River, contains objects and relics from George and Martha Washington and is considered an important part of both the local community and Washington, DC more largely.
Opposition to the project came from the neighbors of Tudor Place, citing increases in traffic and noise and loss of trees and animal habitat as detrimental effects of the proposed plan. John Boffa, a Georgetown resident for eight years, attended the meeting to see what the Commission would say on the issue. He said, “ I am not opposed to Tudor Place but I am opposed to it becoming a huge expansive thing creating more traffic in the neighborhood.”
Sentiments like that were echoed from the community as residents seemed to enjoy and respect the historic relevance of Tudor Place but did not want it taking over their community. Bradford Gray, speaking on behalf of 60 signatories of an opposition letter on the project, said, “ We are not happy to be in opposition with Tudor Place…but we have no choice.” Similarly, local architect and resident of Georgetown, Outerbridge Hursey, said, “ I am a supporter of Tudor Place. They are not the enemy. We all want it to succeed but what we want is a plan that we can live with. We must keep talking to each other.”
While no immediate action was taken by the Advisory Commission concerning the project, it unanimously voted in favor of continuing communication between Tudor Place and the neighborhood. Commissioner Eason, speaking on behalf of the Advisory board, said, “ We recognize the efforts of the community to offer alternatives and some of their suggestions have been adopted… we thank Tudor Place for their statement on the current situation and encourage continued dialogue.”
The neighborhood opposition proposed an alternative plan for the Tudor Place renovations that would scale down the visitor and education centers and use an already existing green house instead of creating a new one. The alternative plan was introduced by Carl Colby, a resident of 31st street, who said their plan would “reduce the impact on the neighborhood and habitat and restore the character of Tudor Place as a historic house.”
The action, or lack there of, taken by the Commission seemed to be what both the community and Tudor Place representatives had expected. Spokespeople from both sides agreed to continue discussion about alternative plans and working together to find an adequate solution. Following the resolution passage Buhler said, “It cannot be our way or no way. We are committed and willing to talk.”
Other issues discussed at the meeting were a zoning pass proposal for Wisey’s Restaurant, a Special Olympics Bike Ride at the end of October, and tax-exempt revenue bonds for Georgetown University to construct a science center. All three proposed efforts were deferred as the Commission stated it needed more information and time to reach final conclusions. The replacement of Commissioners Aaron Golds and Bill Skelsey were also discussed, as the community heard comments from Jeffrey Jones on his desire for the position of Councilman Skelsey in the next election.
As far as the Tudor Place renovation plan is concerned, it seems negotiation will be necessary amongst the neighborhood, Tudor Place representatives, and Commissioners before further action will be taken. Leslie Buhler and the Tudor Place team will meet in front of the Georgetown Board on Sunday to further discuss the project. For more information on the Tudor Place project visit http://www.tudorplace.org/MPP_%20Presentation_short.pdf and for information of alternative proposals and the perspective of the neighborhood visit http://www.neighborsoftudorplace.com .
Photos: The first photograph shows the Commissioner seats of Tom Birch and Aaron Golds, who's position will be filled soon by a fellow Georgetown student.
The second photograph shows Leslie Buhler describing the proposed changes to Tudor Place.
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