December 2008

Owner Objection Bill Halted

Co-sponsored by Council members Mary Cheh and Muriel Bowser, this proposed amendment (Bill 17-911) to the District’s Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978 would have prohibited the Historic Preservation Review Board from considering historic district nominations from neighborhoods where a majority of property owners have voted against the measure. In addition, such a nomination could not be reconsidered again for three years.

While DCPL, as well as several other organizations, agree that community participation is essential to the preservation process, it is our belief that, in practice, the existing process already provides ample opportunity for participation. Further, to our knowledge, no historic districts have been designated over the objection of a majority of property owners. Over fifteen individuals testified at a November 21st hearing before the Committee of the Whole, convincing Council Chairman Vincent Gray that by editing the existing HPRB regulations, participation could be codified in a more formal way without amending the ordinance - thus meeting the true objective of assuring public participation. 

For a more detailed account, see the upcoming print edition of the DCPL newsletter.

HPRB to Consider Kameny House

The Dr. Franklin E. Kameny house at 5020 Cathedral Avenue, NW, will be considered on January 22, 2009 by the Historic Preservation Review Board for listing on the DC Inventory of Historic Sites. Dr. Kameny was instrumental in the formation of the modern gay rights movement. This nomination is the first resource nominated to the DC Inventory based solely on its historical significance to the LGBT community. The nomination was prepared and sponsored by the Rainbow History Project and is co-sponsored by DCPL. 

"Beatlemania Again" Canceled

DCPL, like so many organizations, is not immune to the effects of a slowing economy. Therefore, we have made the decision to cancel the "Beatlemania Again" fundraiser scheduled for February 2009 at the Uline Arena.  We will instead put together an alternate mid-winter fundraising event. Stay tuned for an invitation and more details.

Annual Appeal - Your Donations Matter

2008 has been a busy year for DCPL. With an increase in new programs, several legislative challenges, increased community outreach and landmark designations, DCPL continues to strive for the preservation of our significant buildings, landmarks and landscapes. In order to ensure our continued success, if you have not done so already, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Click here to donate on-line by credit card or send a check to the address below. 

Reminder - Send in Nominations for
Most Endangered Places 2009

Nominations are being accepted for the 2009 list of Most Endangered Places in Washington. To learn more about the program or to download an application, please visit our website. Applications will be accepted until COB on Friday, February 6, 2009.   

St. Elizabeths Tours

Since October, DCPL has provided walking tours to more than 140 individuals.  Thanks to the cooperation of the staff of GSA, many people have been given the opportunity to see one of the most remarkable and endangered sites in DC. To see pictures, visit our flickr page.


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