from the....... President's Desk

The fall has flown by - filled with controversy about planned development at Mount Vernon by George Washington University, the proposed new light at Canal Road for Georgetown University, and concern over the new construction at St. Patrick’s School.
At its November meeting, the PCA board approved St. Patrick’s building plan indicating only its preference for reincorporating the tower from a prior design. Among these larger issues, however, are the smaller issues, which are always with us, even after the campus plans have been approved, and the buildings built.
Over the course of the next few months the PCA will be looking at some of these issues - traffic, zoning regulations, schools and environmental concerns - in depth at our regular general membership meetings.
The next meeting on December 7 will focus on residential zoning and construction regulations. The Palisades has become an increasingly desirable place for people to live.
We are in the enviable situation of having more people wanting to buy into our neighborhood than we have houses to sell.
Many of the buyers have the resources to either substantially add on or renovate existing housing stock or to tear down the houses and build a new home on the site.
What does this mean for the Palisades? Can we have development and still preserve the unique small town quality that characterizes the Palisades? Are DC zoning regulations adequate? Are they well enforced?
Julie Koczela, chair of our Zoning Committee, has put together an outstanding panel to address these issues. Do come to hear our speakers and share your thoughts on zoning with the other members of the PCA.
Finally, help us to celebrate the friendly spirit of our community by participating in Luminary Night in the Palisades. What better way is there to celebrate the season than by lighting up our houses and walkways with warm welcoming glow of candles on a long dark night in December? Anni Ince-Mckillop has done a wonderful job of organizing this event.
Please join us on Sunday, December 19 for our winter celebration of community in the Palisades. —Cary Ridder