We believe in transparency. Every meeting we hold — whether it’s a working group session, a public forum, or an official city hearing — is an opportunity to document what’s happening, what’s been decided, and what’s still on the table.
This page will serve as a living archive of key moments in our effort to build a fair, community-led agreement for the 1601 Washington Avenue project.
Community-Led CBA Meetings
July 30, 2025 – First Community-Led CBA Meeting
Our group formally came together after SOSNA refused to allow open community input on the CBA. At this meeting, we:
- Declared the current CBA “illegitimate” due to its secretive drafting by an all-white, all-male SOSNA committee with ties to the board and zoning committee.
- Identified broad categories of concern, including height, parking, traffic safety, affordable housing, public space access, and enforcement.
- Set up working sub-groups to research each category and draft potential improvements.
- Discussed strategies for the upcoming SOSNA vote (Aug 13) and ZBA hearing (Aug 20).
August 5, 2025 – Letter to RCOs & Developer
We sent a formal response outlining why the existing CBA process was unacceptable, our initial categories for negotiation, and why more time is needed for a legitimate agreement. Key points included:
- The need for lower AMI levels for affordable housing and permanent affordability protections.
- The importance of binding commitments to final plans, with no major changes allowed without community approval.
- Calls for escrow/bond protections for construction damages to nearby homes.
August 5th, 2025 – Second Community-Led CBA Meeting
Our community-led group met to prepare for the upcoming SOSNA vote on August 13 and the ZBA hearing on August 20.
Key Updates
- SOSNA’s board plans to vote on a new CBA this weekend, despite limited community input.
- Our group opposes rushing a one-day turnaround for reviewing and responding to the CBA.
- We’re continuing work on a Community-Led CBA that reflects real neighborhood priorities.
SOSNA Vote Strategy – Aug 13
- Concerns about voting fairness and transparency.
- Push for verified voting (camera on for Zoom voters, no double voting).
- Flyers will be created and distributed; pickup location will be at the YMCA.
- Door-knocking and outreach planned to boost turnout.
ZBA Hearing – Aug 20
- This is the final decision point for the developer’s variance requests.
- We will emphasize how rushed and exclusionary the process has been.
- Strong turnout — especially in person — is critical.
- Door hangers will be printed and distributed to neighbors.
Next Steps
- Meet with Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson’s office about voting concerns (Aug 8).
- Develop a website.
- Continue outreach, materials production, and strategy coordination.
Ongoing Working Group Sessions
Since forming, our group has logged dozens of hours in meetings, reviewing project details and collecting neighbor feedback. These sessions have been open to anyone in the community, with summaries shared publicly after each meeting.
Official Project Meetings
July 23, 2025 – SOSNA Public Meeting
SOSNA unexpectedly announced they would not seek community input on the CBA, despite earlier assurances. The “completed” CBA, signed July 15, was presented for the first time. Neighbors raised concerns about:
- Building height and shadow impacts.
- Traffic congestion and loading zones.
- Public access to open space.
- Lack of detail and enforceability in the agreement.
August 13, 2025 – RCO Voting Meeting
- The meeting had over 80+ people in person, and over 200 people on Zoom.
- Votes are still being verified and tallied.
Upcoming Events
- August 20 – ZBA Hearing: Our opportunity to request a continuance and win more time for genuine community engagement.
We will continue to update this page after each meeting so you can follow the progress, stay informed, and see exactly where your voice can make a difference.