Earlier this week, I attended a Federation of Citizens Associations event at which the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs was honored as the most improved agency. Whether its a lack of enforcement regarding vacant property laws, the decade long battle over shutting down Fun Fair, or allowing illegal construction to slide - that's all part of the DCRA experience -- at least, the DCRA of the past. When an agency hits rock bottom, there's plenty of room to go up.
So, do we have a new DCRA today? Let's find out. Today, MVSNA asked DCRA to enforce the District's longstanding moratorium on billboards, sometimes referred to as "special signs." Only 32 billboards are legal and grandfathered in in the District of Columbia. It's obvious to anyone that there's quite a few more around town. Our letter provides four examples in the Mount Vernon Square and Shaw neighborhoods. You can read our letter to DCRA Director Linda Argo and view photographs of the sign violations here.
Why does it matter? You'll notice that most of the illegal billboards are on vacant lots, bogus used car dealerships, and even on vacant houses. Illegal billboards provide a way for derelict owners to handsomely profit while pulling down our property values. Revenues offset property taxes levied (even in the rare case the lot is being taxed at the higher vacant rate) and provide a disincentive for the owner to move the property into productive use -- as housing, a park, or retail space.
We're not the first to request action. Shaw residents, the Bates Area Civic Association, and ANC 5C Commissioner Anita Bonds have all asked DCRA to enforce the law with respect to the three monster billboards at the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, Fourth Street, and P Street NW. One resident even started an advocacy website. MVSNA joins them.
Will DCRA see the signs?
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