June 15: Rally to Save Historic Building

Tonight, the ANC, Dupont Circle Conservancy, residents and other preservation groups will be holding a rally at 16th & T St., NW, to attempt to save a building at that location that is crumbling. The rally starts at 7:00 pm.

This is a classic case of "demolition by neglect", which basically means that an owner doesn't take care of his or her property and allows it to deteriorate - to the point it needs to be torn down. The owner may actually be enriched through this process, as he or she may be able to allow an old building to fall apart, then sell the vacant property or, alternately, build a newer, more expensive building that is easier to take care of and maintain.

There are strict laws against this in historic neighborhoods, such as Dupont Circle. The city can put a lien against the property and shore up the structure, which is what the Conservancy is attempting to get the city to do.

I have a work dinner this evening so cannot attend, but voted in favor of a resolution/letter on this issue at last week's ANC meeting.