DC City Council to consider amendments to DC Historic Preservation Laws

439 Massachusetts Avenue NW, before an "alteration" permit was issued.

From Mary Rowse:

A hearing to discuss the Historic Preservation Enhancements and Technical Amendments Act of 2005 (Bill 16-195), will be held Tuesday, May 24, beginning at 1:30 p.m., in the City Council Chamber, Room 500, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Chairman Linda Cropp will preside, along with members of the Committee of the Whole.

Bill 16-195, introduced by Chairman Cropp at the request of the Mayor, would amend the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection provisions of the D.C. Official Code to provide for more effective historic preservation enforcement, to address treatment of designated archaeological sites, to provide for conceptual review of projects by District agencies, to address anticipatory demolition, and to make minor amendments and technical corrections.

Individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to testify at the public hearing are requested to contact Aretha Latta, Administrative Assistant to the Committee of the Whole, by telephone at 724-8196, by e-mail, or by fax at 202-724-7139, and furnish their names, addresses, telephone numbers and organizational affiliation, if any, by the close of business on Friday, May 20, 2005. Witnesses should also provide 20 copies of their written testimony at the roundtable or submit one copy of their written testimony by Friday, May 20, 2005. Each person presenting verbal testimony may be limited to 5 minutes in order to permit each witness an opportunity to be heard.

All persons wishing to comment are urged to review the legislation prior to the public roundtable. Written statements for the record are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. All statements should be submitted to the Committee of the Whole, Council of the District of Columbia, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 410, Washington, D.C. 20004.

439 Massachusetts NW, "after" alteration, with its facade ripped off. Photos by Peter Sefton.