Development near Eastern Market clears hurdle

A D.C. preservation panel unanimously approved height and design tweaks developers made to their proposed development project near historic Eastern Market — much to the chagrin of the surrounding neighbors who say the project is still too big.

The development on the site of the old Hine Junior High School will take up slightly more than one square block on Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 8th streets, Northeast. Since its inception, residents have had problems with the project’s height — six stories in some parts — and the size (mass) of the buildings. Developer Stanton-Eastbanc has adjusted the project several times, the most major adjustment being earlier this year after two key office tenants dropped out of the project.