Chevy Chase Civic Core Site Legislation: What Residents Should Know Quick Summary
Hi Neighbors,
The Chevy Chase Civic Core Site legislation has officially been introduced at the D.C. Council, and I want to share a high-level overview of what’s included. The proposal outlines how the District plans to modernize our civic campus and bring a new library, community center, double outdoors space, retail, and housing, all while keeping the land publicly owned. Per Council Member Frumin's latest newsletter, the hearing process should be initiated in mid-October.
You can review the legislation here: https://lims.dccouncil.gov/downloads/LIMS/62544/Introduction/B26-0801-Introduction.pdf?Id=246015
What the Project Delivers:
The bill authorizes construction of a brand-new Chevy Chase Library and Community Center, funded with over $50 million in District capital improvement dollars. It also includes 177 new rental homes, roughly half of which (90 units) are affordable, serving households at 30%, 50%, and 80% of the median family income in the DMV, and 87 market rate units. The affordable units will remain affordable in perpetuity. The project adds about 8,000 sq. ft. of community-serving retail and more than 55,000 sq. ft. of public open space at ground level, including a plaza, play areas, recreation courts (basketball/pickleball/tennis), outdoor classrooms, gardens, and a small amphitheater. This legislation brings meaningful benefits to our neighborhood - doubling our public outdoor space, delivering new modernized public facilities, and adding new homes (including homes where there were unused air rights) that will contribute to addressing the city’s broader housing affordability needs. The legislation also requires the developer to provide a temporary library to ensure that residents continue to have access to library services throughout construction.
Regulations require 35% of all contracting to go to Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs), 20% CBE equity participation, and 20% CBE development participation. This ensures local businesses share in the work and long-term financial benefits. A First Source Agreement will prioritize hiring DC residents during construction. This means that District businesses will directly benefit from this project, and DC residents will be first in line for jobs - helping strengthen our local economy at a time when many neighbors are still recovering from recent layoffs and increased unemployment.
The legislation requires ongoing community engagement, documentation of all meetings, environmental sustainability standards (including rooftop solar), and a detailed performance schedule to ensure accountability throughout development. This means residents will be able to stay actively involved as the project moves forward, ensuring it reflects our neighborhood’s needs and concerns, with community engagement continuing throughout the entire process.
I’ve put together this quick “cheat sheet” so you can easily search for sections of the legislation that I encourage residents to take a look at.
Exhibit H – Concept Plans (Site Plan & Open Space Layout)
Exhibit C – Affordable Housing Plan (Housing Mix & Unit Sizes)
Exhibit B – Affordable Housing Covenant
Exhibit G – First Source Hiring Agreement
Exhibit K – Schedule of Performance
Temporary Library
As a quick reminder you can view the ANC survey results here: SMD 05 Civic Core Survey Results 2025 and SMD 06 Civic Core Survey Results 2025. The 2025 ANC survey showed plurality support for housing at the Civic Core site for SMD 05, and majority support for inclusivity by SMD 06 across the street from our SMD on Connecticut. These are the SMDs most directly impacted by the new development at the Civic Core. I would like to also remind the community of my previous minority opinions on the Civic Core here: Simmons Minority Opinion July 2025 and Simmons Minority Opinion May 2026
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Regards,
Karrenthya Simmons
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner
3/4G, SMD 05