I don't see this property in the DCRA's vacant property listing, so I am going to submit a Vacant property form to report it. DC Code Title 42, Chapter 31A stipulates that vacant buildings shall be adequately maintained and taxed at a higher Class 3. It appears that the property does not conform to the vacant property standards, as the broken windows on the first floor appear unsecured from intruders. Reporting vacant properties and violations of vacant property standards is an important step towards holding the owners accountable for their blight on the neighborhood and towards prompting change.
ANC2F has a committee on Crime and Public Safety which focuses, in part, on enforcing vacant property standards throughout the ANC. The letters and emails it sends to DCRA on the subject are viewable online. Kudos to ANC2f!
PHOTO CREDIT: Originally uploaded by A Look Askance.
11 comments:
ShawRez, do you think it would be helpful if others submitted the form on the same property? I'm happy to do it if it might help...
BTW, my place just got broken into in broad daylight yesterday with a crowbar taken to several doors...day after the "crime rally"...
ab234 - I'm SO sorry to hear that you were robbed yesterday! I know what a feeling of violation that causes.
Regarding multiple submissions of vacant property report forms, it's probably not necessary, but there is also power in numbers and the squeaky wheel gets the oil (or whatever), so it can't hurt if you have the time. Also, if you know of other vacant properties in the neighborhood, make sure they're on the DCRA's list. 1512 just happens to be one I always notice when walking around, so it's been on my mind.
Thanks, ShawRez...and thanks for your great work on this blog. It's really nice - and a comfort - to have neighbors like you.
ps - i'm close to Azi's, so neighbors close to me (and everywhere, of course) should be vigilant about strange behavior and the security of themselves and their property...
wow, that place looks as scary as 444 M st nw
I was told that 1512 and another property on 8th Street were being "held by Georgetown investors who wouldn't spend a dime on it until the market improved." I never checked out the story to determine if that's true, but seems plausible.
William - Interestingly, according to the DC tax database, it's owned by an accounting firm in Hawaii.
The individual in charge of assessments for our area is Ellis Jackson. He can be reached at 202-442-6767. Having recently moved to the area, I read your blog daily, it is quite execllent!!
I'll also report 1512 8th Street as vacant if y'all join me in reporting 1510 6th and 448 Q as well.
Hey, at least that accounting firm isn't claiming the homestead deduction on 1512, like the owners of 1510 6th and 448 Q are.
It's a deal, Charles. I'll report 1510 6th and 448 Q today!
I called Ellis Jackson and he reports that Class 3 designations are now handled by the DC Dept. of Regulatory Affairs. Andrea Benson of the DCRA [(202) 442-4332] told me that this property is listed as Class 3 in their database...although it does not appear on DC's website.
Is anyone familiar with the US Attorney's Office's "Nuisance Property Abatement Program"? It may not be that useful for vacant (but harmless) properties, but for problem properties it may be a viable option.
Here's the web link:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/dc/Community_Prosecution/Nuisance_Property/
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