Speaking of "wealth grants" and proffers

The reason that community benefits are provided is that variances, exceptions, density bonuses, and other changes to zoning and building regulations that benefit developers have significant economic value.

The idea is that the community-polity receive something in return.

To demonstrate how out of whack this is in DC, the Dreyfus Corporation seeks zoning variances for a project on 200 H Street NE that have a likely economic return of as much as $50 million. In return, Dreyfus offers about $500,000 of "community" benefits.

I have argued that the reason the negotiating process is unstructured, and that the reason that the Zoning Commission, the Board of Zoning Adjustment, and the Office of Planning don't provide training to community organizations and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions on how to negotiate with developers is because the Growth Machine wants their minions to limit the cost of this process for developers.

As long as a developer can get away with donating $50 to a block party, and calling that a community benefit, they don't have to pay very much.

ANC6A is asking for party status in the 200 H Street NE matter, to focus on this issue. See the document: Request for Party Status, ZC #05-37, 200 H St. NE from the ANC6A website.

This project is actually located within ANC6C, but since it is on H Street, it is a matter important to the entire community. And, frankly, to the residents of the entire city.

Go ANC6A!