Spring 2000

Enforcement Coalition Looks Ahead as HP Inspector Takes Over
by Charles I. Cassell, Vice President, D.C. Preservation League

One of the highlights of the DCPL Annual Meeting last June was the strong commitment for compliance with D.C. Public Law 2ö144, as demonstrated by Mayor Anthony Williams who spoke at the gathering. He was clearly aware of the major thrust of the act: ãIt is hereby declared as a matter of public policy, that the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of the properties of historical, cultural, and aesthetic merit are in the interest of the health, prosperity, and welfare of the people of the District of Columbia.ä

The audience was also very pleased that he focused particular attention on the importance of improved preservation law enforcement and adherence to building permit requirements and rulings by relevant D.C. authorities. Particularly welcome was the mayorâs expressed intent to address the issue of demolition by neglect. Executive leadership is obviously needed in the effort to pass effective remedial legislation to thwart such demolition. Commendable legislation has been offered in the D.C. Council, but the Control Board will not allow it to move forward until a financial impact study has been performed. Meanwhile, irreplaceable historic properties continue to deteriorate while such study is under way. These kinds of roadblocks are the reason that 21 preservation organizations formed the Coalition for Greater Preservation Enforcement last year. The Coalition held a summit conference on June 4, 1998, developed a report and action plan, and began to energetically pursue its implementation. The efforts of the League and the Coalition have borne fruit: The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and the Historic Preservation Division have agreed with our objectives and have taken positive remedial steps. HPD now has an impressive preservation inspector in Toni Cherry, and DCRA has a legal assignee for preservation issues. However, woefully deteriorated historic landmarks continue decline toward demise until good fortune happens to smile. As sympathetic D.C. authorities identify the difficulties they face in surmounting enforcement obstacles, the Coalition for Greater Preservation Enforcement most certainly will use its full force to assist in removing such obstacles.