DC Government

Friday Question of the Day – Should Online Gambling be Legal in DC?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by flickr user Orin Zebest

The Washington Times reports:

The D.C. Council on Tuesday, with little discussion and no public notice, voted 11-2 in favor of a budget amendment that would legalize online poker and fantasy sports gambling through the D.C. Lottery as a means of helping plug a $200 million budget gap.

But on Wednesday, Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah, ranking Republican on the House subcommittee that oversees the District, said he is “absolutely, totally opposed” to the idea — and because of the District’s status as a federal enclave, Congress has final approval over its laws.

Now I’ve already admitted that I’ve taken a few knocks to the head in my day and before we knew sniffing glue was bad for you… but honestly I just don’t understand this. Can’t you play online poker anywhere already?

But assuming there is something I’m missing here – what do you think about the idea of legalizing and promoting online gambling in DC?


CM Jim Graham Updates Us on, “A Hotel for Adams Morgan”

By Prince Of Petworth

Dear Friends,

Residents have contacted me regarding the Adams Morgan hotel project at Euclid and Champlain Streets. Opinion appears to be divided but, overall, people are anxious for more information.

I authored the tax abatement bill in order to make this project a reality. The bill proposes to abate property taxes for up to 20 years beginning October 1, 2014, capped at $46 million.

This is a chicken and egg situation– we need to offer this tax relief in order to get this property on the tax rolls (including sales tax, hotel tax, income tax for jobs, parking tax, and ultimately, real estate tax). The DC Chief Financial Officer has certified that–without this tax relief– the project is not feasible and will not proceed. With this relief, DC will net about $5 million annually in revenue.

Thus, through this abatement, we restore to productive use a currently vacant historic church building, insure a development that will create jobs, add district revenue, and increase daytime commerce in a neighborhood where this would dramatically improve business and public safety. Daytime commerce is a key issue: It will more balance for what is now a very heavy reliance on nightlife. In consequence there will be more daytime retail opportunities.

Plan B?—Continued deterioration of this vacant historic church, no tax revenue for the district, no new jobs, and nothing contributed to the surrounding neighborhood. The very tiny church congregation (under 20 members) cannot afford to either maintain or use the building.

There has been extensive community discussion about this project including more than 25 meetings over a period of years with the ANC and community organizations. The Council held a public hearing on my bill on October 7.

There is still another opportunity for community input at an ANC Forum to be held on December 16 at 7pm. (The location will be announced soon.) A Council vote on a tax abatement might occur after this forum, possibly as soon as December 21.

And then there will be more comment–Should this project go forward, the District’s land use planning process (planned unit development (PUD)) will offer further, extensive opportunity for community input on issues such as height, density, parking, design elements, community benefits package &c.

Regarding the tax abatement, the Chief Financial Officer has reported that it will have no negative fiscal impact.

Some have suggested that the Developer would go ahead with or without a tax abatement. As I mentioned earlier, the Chief Financial Officer has done an analysis based on the costs and revenue of this project and has determined that the project would not proceed without a tax abatement.

Yesterday, the Council was expected to take the first vote on the bill that I introduced. However, for procedural reasons, the Council was not permitted to take this vote. The bill was temporarily held-up in the Committee on Finance and Revenue in order to gather additional information. Once the Committee finally voted to support the bill, it was too late to meet the notice requirements to get on the agenda for the Council meeting.

Do you think a tax abatement for this proposed hotel is a good idea?

Anyone know how long this building has already been vacant?

Dear PoP – Rant: DC photo enforcement

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99

On the heels of this morning’s Post story on speed cameras. We previously lamented speed cameras this summer.

“Dear PoP,

Here’s a rant for you that I cut and pasted from my online defense statement for a DC photo enforcement speeding ticket I ‘received.’ Supposedly I was going 11-15 mph above the limit at the 3100 Block of N. Capitol St. NW. I only found out about the ticket because I logged on to pay for a different parking ticket.

“I learned of this ticket, issued 10/30/2010, when I logged on today 12/2/2010 to pay a separate parking violation. I’m not sure what DC’s photo enforcement program involves, but I’m pretty sure getting a notification of the ticket is a required step! I have not received any ticket or photo evidence to go along with this ticket, and only learned about it because I had to pay a parking fine (I always pay promptly).

My defense is this: I refuse to pay a fine, much less extra late fees, for a violation that I have not been made aware of, and that DC has not provided any evidence of. If there is no photo evidence, how am I supposed to know if I was even in DC that day, much less defend what speed I was going on a particular road? What’s to stop DC from issuing tickets to the wrong vehicle if no evidence of the speeding violation can be provided? If DC wants to use photo enforcement instead of pulling people over, then it will need to PRODUCE THE EVIDENCE AND NOTIFY THE DRIVER OF THE TICKET!

Given the serious nature of a delinquent payment, how is DC going to improve it’s process for notifying drivers? If something gets lost in the mail, and I end up with a boot on my car and can’t get to work, who is responsible? Based on my experience so far, photo enforcement seems like a way to take something commonplace like getting pulled over for speeding and paying a fine into something with greater consequences and costs, like delinquent payment fines and getting booted.

Drop the ticket, or send me the ticket and photo evidence and reset the notification date so I’m not stuck paying late fees.”

What Does this Mean? Will Streetcars be powered by Overhead Wires or not? Or some sorta combination?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

Admittedly I’m not one to study reports and dig through the minutia of stuff that quite frankly I don’t understand. But one thing I have been able to understand is that there is a group that strongly opposes the use of overhead wires anywhere in DC (even if seemingly there are no views to be blocked). It was my understanding that the only way to power H St, NE’s proposed line was by overhead wires. Maybe I’m wrong but I thought I read that somewhere. Now DDOT issues a press release saying in part, “DDOT will also pursue a vehicle capable of operating without overhead wires in early 2011.”

So I ask you dear readers, who are far more knowledgeable about these sorts of things than I am – please explain what this means. Maybe the lawyers can help me understand what, “DDOT will also pursue a vehicle capable of operating without overhead wires in early 2011.” actually means. Does this mean, new tracks will be not be powered by overhead wires? Does it mean overhead wires will be installed and then removed when a vehicle “capable of operating without overhead wires” is procured? Does it mean where overhead wires are installed will remain overhead wires or are overhead wires completely off the table at this point?

Is it just me or were we once told that it had to be overhead wires?

And just to be clear on my end, from a personal level, I support the installation of street cars with or without overhead wires on H St, NE. Having said that, if it is possible without being prohibitively expensive, I too would prefer the cars be powered in other ways. Either way, I hope we’ll really see street cars in 2012.

Full press release after the jump. (more…)

Norton Asks For Answers on Proposed Destruction of Plants at National Arboretum

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo of National Arboretum Stone Border by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC He writes, “Sunlight picks out a stone border of a path in the Azalea Collections at the National Arboretum.”

We spoke about the Azalea controversy on Wed. before Thanksgiving.

From a Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton press release:

The Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released a letter she wrote to U.S. National Arboretum Interim Director Dr. Ramon Jordan concerning maintaining the azalea garden at the federally owned botanical garden. In her letter, Norton asks Jordan to explain what can be done to preserve the full azalea garden at the U.S. National Arboretum, after learning from constituents of a planned destruction of 20 percent of the garden’s azalea collection for next year.

“I have worked for years with the Friends of the National Arboretum and others to help maintain this national treasure,” said Norton. “The arboretum and its wide array of horticulture are essential to research and of great benefit to the District’s economy, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.”

Norton’s letter follows.
—–
Dr. Ramon Jordan
Interim Director
U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002

Dear Dr. Jordan,

A constituent recently wrote me concerning a proposal to minimize or destroy the unique azalea garden and other plant collections at the U.S. National Arboretum. I have worked with the Friends of the National Arboretum and with the National Arboretum to maintain this national treasure, essential for horticulture research and display, and a great benefit to the District of Columbia economy, District and regional residents, and tourists from throughout the world. I ask that you to explain and update me on this matter and on what can be done to maintain this national attraction. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Holmes Norton
Member of Congress

Public Hearing, Nov. 30 on Mayor’s Budget Gap Closing Plan

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

One reader has already expressed dismay that “school lunches [are] under attack”. She notes a post by Better DC School Food:

“Fenty has targeted nearly $4.7 million in funds designated under the Healthy Schools Act to pay for healthier breakfasts and lunches and to encourage schools to use locally grown products in school meals.”

Obviously there are many many cuts that are needed to erase a $188 million shortfall. If this or other programs slated to be cut are important to you – there is a special council hearing tomorrow morning to address the issue.

From Ward 4 Council Member Bowser:

As many of you are aware, the Chief Financial Officer recently announced that the District was facing a budgetary shortfall. In order to balance the District’s books, just before the Thanksgiving holiday, the Executive released a spending plan that would see relatively minor reductions to many city agencies. The District continues to fare better than most jurisdictions and thankfully, our schools and police services are spared the brunt of the proposed cuts. But, services and projects important to Ward 4 may be affected. In fact, funding for capital projects—like schools and parks—might be delayed as a result of the plan. This is a chance to streamline government services and focus on what is most important to you and to Ward 4 and I plan to fight to make sure that Ward 4 continues to receive its fair share, and that our long-awaited projects continue on track. But to do that, I want to hear from you. Please send any concerns you have to me at [email protected]. Please also note that the Committee of the Whole is hosting a hearing tomorrow. Below is information about how to sign-up to testify, as well as several hyperlinks, including one to the proposed spending plan, as well as other documents.

* Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray announces a public hearing by the Committee of the Whole on B18-1101, the “Fiscal Year 2011 Revised Budget Request Act of 2010”, and B18-1100, the “Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Budget Support Act of 2010” on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

* At this hearing, the public will have an opportunity to testify on the gap-closing plans. Immediately following public testimony, the Executive and the Chief Financial Officer will brief the public and the Council on their proposals to close the Fiscal Year 2011 budget gap. An abbreviated notice is given to comply with Council Rule 501(a)(2).

* To testify at the public hearing, please contact Maria Villars, Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Budget Director, by telephone at (202) 724-8139 or by e-mail at [email protected], and furnish your name, address, telephone number and organizational affiliation, if any, by the close of business on Monday, November 29, 2010.

* Witnesses should bring 20 copies of their written testimony to the roundtable or submit one advance copy of their written testimony by close of business on November 29, 2010.

* Persons presenting oral testimony may be limited to 3 minutes in order to permit each witness an opportunity to be heard. Written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record in their entirety.

* All statements should be submitted to the Office of the Budget Director, Council of the District of Columbia, John A. Wilson Building, Suite 508, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004.

* Spending plan

* Mayor Fenty’s press release

* Chairman Gray’s press release

MPD Ass’t Chief Groomes on Administrative Leave – I Hope She is Able to Return Soon

By Prince Of Petworth

The Post reported late Friday afternoon:

…a police spokeswoman said Lanier had placed Groomes on “administrative leave pending further investigation into an allegation that she was involved in compromising a test administered to some members of the command staff as part of their in-service training.”…

Groomes said last night that “I am sorry for my actions and bad judgment . . . and for the discredit I caused to the best chief, department . . . and city.”

There has already been a lot of support for Chief Groomes on various listservs throughout the city. I just wanted to publicly add my voice to that support. Of course, Chief Groomes made a mistake and she should face a reprimand for her action. Nevertheless, while MPD has many assets, Chief Groomes is hands down the most responsive and helpful MPD representative I have ever worked with. Often times readers write me about incidents and/or issues that I do not post about. Though, when possible, I do try to help the reader out and in that regard Chief Groomes has been invaluable. It does not matter if it is day, night, over the weekend or even while she is on vacation – Chief Groomes has always been able to provide help and/or guidance.

Our neighborhoods and our city will benefit greatly with Chief Groomes in a continued leadership position with MPD. I hope she is able to return soon.

After the jump a note from MPD’s temporary replacement – Assistant Chief Alfred Durham (more…)

Dear PoP – Temporary Street Parking on a No Parking Side of the Street Question

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

“Dear PoP,

I am preparing to have blown in insulation installed. The company informed me that they need to park either directly in front of the house or directly behind it. My house is on a two way street (P St) that only allows parking on the opposite side. As the street is very busy with buses (G2) and decent flow of cars, I called my police district office to see if I could get a temporary permit for the truck. MPD referred me to dc.gov and after speaking with someone in the permit office I was informed that they don’t override street signs. A manager is supposed to be calling me back to discuss options. I do not have alley access and am at a loss about what to do. Has anyone had to deal with a similar issue or have suggestions?”

Isn’t it possible to park in the alley behind the house, or that’s too far away from the actual house? Has anyone dealt with a situation like this before?

Friday Question of the Day – 5 Year Limit on Welfare Payments in DC? (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user christopher.poole

I’ve gotten a ton of emails about this one. The Post reports:

“Two D.C. Council members from impoverished areas of the city are proposing to end cash payments to long-term welfare recipients to save tax dollars and encourage more of their constituents to find work.

The proposed five-year benefit limit, sponsored by council members Marion Barry (D-Ward 8 ) and Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7), would bring the District in line with most other states, but the proposal is drawing warnings from advocates that it would lead to more homeless families, hungry children and crime.”

While the answer may be complicated, the question is quite a simple one – do you think this is a good idea or would it lead to more homeless families and crime?

14th Street Corridor Vision Plan and Revitalization Strategy Meeting #2

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“With the help of government agency representatives and community stakeholders, the revitalization
strategy will help prioritize concerns and determine potential opportunities for revitalization and infill
development for the following commercial nodes along 14th Street:

Spring to Shepherd Streets |Webster to Decatur Streets | Jefferson to Longfellow Streets NW

MEETING #2 PURPOSE: This meeting is an opportunity for community stakeholders to refine revitalization
plan goals derived from the first public meeting. The outcome of this meeting will facilitate the
development of concrete strategies to revitalize and improve 14th Street.”

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