Vacant Property Update

A recent discussion regarding the dissappearing "Slum Historique" sign on the smelly whore cafe reminded me that I kept meaning to post my quick update about Vacant Property which was discussed with the Mayor at the last MVSNA meeting.  So here is the data:

 Our last vacant property survey was conducted in October of 2007 and identified 105 vacant properties in the Mount Vernon Square Historic District.  Of that number, 54 were charged correctly and 51 possibly needed adjustment to the Class 3 property tax rate.  The full survey can be viewed here: http://www.box.net/shared/a8j23rk1cq<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

 Since October DC has taken some action:

 · 26 properties were increased to the Class 3 property tax rate, including many that were long vacant. 

· 29 properties have exceptions and/or possibly need adjustment to the Class 3 property tax rate.  12 of this number are owned by Douglas Development.

· 9 properties were reduced to the Class 2* property tax rate.  8 of this number are owned by Douglas Development.  The 9th is owned by Unique Learning Center which is currently in the process of redevelopment.

· 3 properties were reduced to the Class 1 property tax rate. 

 The current tally is 41 properties possibly needing adjustment.  20 of them are owned by Douglas Development which plans a large development but is still in the acquisition stage (since @2002).   The progress is encouraging, especially since several properties are being renovated or have been put on the market as well.  DCRA is definitely paying attention to the issue at long last. Future plans for this project include an official update of the Vacant Property Survey of the Mount Vernon Square Historic District, full survey of the Mount Vernon Triangle and continued interaction with DC Government.  For full information regarding our community efforts, please visit lifein.mvsna.org and search for “vacant property.”

 *Recent City Council legislation reduced the Class 2 property tax rate for the first 3 million dollars of assessed value on commercial property.  Aside from providing a benefit to all commercial property despite the intention of the legislation to provide property tax relief for small business, this legislation has the unintended consequence of providing a significant property tax benefit to vacant property owners being erroneously taxed at the Class 2 property tax rate.