I just received word that Shiloh Baptist Church is cinder-blocking over the entrance to its vacant property at 1526 9th Street. I imagine that the other vacant buildings on this block will receive a similar treatment soon.
On the one hand, this will help secure these buildings from intrusion and further interior vandalism by homeless and miscreants. On the other hand, it appears that Shiloh intends to continue its reign as worst neighbor on 9th Street by keeping these properties as vacant eyesores. It appears that their offering for the purpose of "refurbishing" these vacant structures may have been insincere.
Two things to investigate: 1. Do they have a work permit for doing this? If not, I believe a Stop Work Order and a fine may be in order. 2. Did the Historical Review Board approve this (they might not have to with vacant properties)? I somehow doubt it, but you never know. Not that I want to thwart the securing these buildings for crime prevention purposes, but Shiloh needs to play by the rules if they're calling others to task for the same (e.g., Vegetate and Queen of Sheba).
As always, you can report illegal construction (construction without a permit) by calling DCRA’s Illegal Construction Unit, at 202.442.STOP (7867).
6 comments:
I'm wondering if its time to stage a peaceful protest outside of Shiloh some Sunday in the near future to draw more media attention to their abandoned real estate and the impact it has on the neighborhood? They are obviously not going to do anything with these buildings without more public pressure being put on them...
For anyone interested, their website is www.shilohbaptist.org
I found this passage from their "mission statement" interesting...
"Shiloh will be the anchor of an urban village that focuses its ministry on body, mind and soul for persons of all cultures and races from the cradle to the grave. It will encompass the geographical dimensions of P Street to Q, 9th to 10th."
Everyone call the illegal construction number and report them on this!
ps - you can call the numbe anonymously. it takes all of one minute. all you need to do is give the address of the property and say that they're bricking over doors. I wouldn't mention Shiloh by name as the owner, as that could arguably deter investigation. . .
I've been meaning to write about your entries on this topic, including the previous one about the offering.
Something we don't do in the city, and certainly politicians are unwilling to go up against a church, but the case can be made for eminent domain seizures of long time, "uncured" nuisances.
I am of the belief that attempting to use such an option would "encourage" churches and other slumlords to either fix or sell properties.
Richard -
First, I'm humbled that you've even glanced at this blog before given your expertise on all things urban!
Second, you raise an intruiging idea about the use of eminent domain. Though I can only imagine the political battle such a proposal would spark, I will explore that idea further.
maybe the churches wont have so much clout with the new administration but I doubt it. the first thing for sure is to get all these blighted places taxed at the max rate. then report any unsanitary conditions, open access, structural problems - these are all instances where fines can add up.
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