103 Planning and Designing Better Communities The DC Office of Planning made use of ArcGIS Urban to simulate how proposed changes will alter a neighborhood's character. (Image courtesy of the DC Office of Planning) Working with GIS is also a way to link numeric data with reality. “We normally do development configurations and put the numbers into spreadsheets,” ElGawish said. “So I’ve been exploring how that could be streamlined with GIS if we can quickly generate [models of] these configurations.” Assuaging Community Concerns Communities that have advocated for zoning restrictions are wary of major changes. ElGawish and her colleagues use the digital twin to address their concerns. During the early stages of the Connecticut Avenue project, the Office of Planning organized a public walk around the area. Planners described the coming changes and answered questions. The office followed up with a virtual walking tour using ArcGIS StoryMaps. “We’re nearing the end of the planning process for Connecticut Avenue,” ElGawish said. “The Connecticut Avenue Development Guidelines have been adopted by the Historic Preservation Review Board, and we’re aiming to make ArcGIS Urban part of our placebased planning workflow.” The Connecticut Avenue Development Guidelines are a part of a broader Rock Creek West Corridors Planning Initiative to implement land use and housing policies outlined in 2021 amendment to the District’s Comprehensive Plan and the 2021 Rock Creek West Roadmap.
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