Billboards Gone, 4th St on its Way, CC Hotel Signing

Given the continuing gang violence in the area, we are due some good news.

Bye-bye billboards.  DCRA continues to make progress on MVSNA's request to remove illegal billboards in our area.  Last month, the billboards at 9th and L came down.  Yesterday, I noticed that the billboard on a former used car lot on the 300 Block of New York Avenue NW (above), which had spurred the MVSNA action, was gone.  In addition, several signs and banners that had hung on the chain link fence surrounding the property (both proclaiming monthly parking and used car sales) disappeared as well.  DCRA has also approached many of the Mount Vernon area condos to remove their large "for sale" banners/billboards, such as Yale Laundry Lofts and CityVista.  Our primary concern, however, are billboards erected on vacant and nuisance properties that provide a source of income for derelict owners and a disincentive to sell or develop the property.  Residents are continuing their efforts to have the set of four huge billboards removed from just such a lot at New Jersey Avenue and P Street NW. Thanks to DCRA and Director Argo for making good on their commitment to MVSNA.

No Standing and No Parking!  Usually, eliminating parking is not a matter for celebration, but this is an exception.  We received confirmation yesterday that DDOT will designate the 1000-1100 Block of 4th Street NW (between K and New York Avenue NW) as No Standing/No Parking 24-hours per day.  The purpose of this restriction, which was requested by MVSNA with the support of ANC 6C and residents of the immediate area, is to provide police with an extra tool in fighting rampant prostitution and drug sales on the block, some of which is conducted through cars.  The restrictions are viewed as a temporary measure that we can hopefully remove or reduce within one or two years.  With the Downtown BID's removal of their storage unit from a vacant lot on the block (which was providing a hidding place for illicit activity), MPD's bringing over a light truck, and DDOT's latest action, that area is on the road to being a safer place to live.

Convention Center Hotel. Mayor Fenty will sign legislation for 1,160-Room Convention HQ Hotel at 5:30 p.m. today at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 9th & L Streets NW (now without the backdrop of illegal billboards). The rain location is the Convention Center lobby.