Weigh in on Fines for Contractors Who Violate Historic Standards – Register by 5pm Monday

Once a contractor starts renovating, sometimes they don’t stop.  The result is shown above in a photo of 326 A Street, SE, from February of 2019:  a demolition that went far beyond anything authorized by the Historic Preservation Review Board.  Once the extent of the work was called to HPRB’ attention, an inspector issued a stop work order on the project – too late to comply with any HPRB attempt to preserve a contributing structure to the Historic District.  The contractor got a slap on the wrist. 

Weigh in on Fines for Contractors Who Violate Historic Standards – Register by 5pm Monday

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 24, 2024

Wednesday, March 27, Council Chair Phil Mendelson will hold a public hearing on Councilmember Allen’s Protecting Historic Homes Amendment Act of 2023, which would increase fines for violating historic preservation laws based on the damage done, in order to deter contractors and developers who view current fines as the cost of doing business.  This will be the public’s only opportunity to weigh in with support or to suggest changes to the bill and have it be part of the legislative record.  

Those who wish to testify must register using the Council’s Hearing Management System at https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hearings/353 by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024. Testimony is limited to four minutes.  

Public witnesses will participate virtually via the Internet on the Zoom Video Conference platform and will receive instructions on how to participate prior to the hearing.  If you have additional questions, please contact Evan Cash, Committee and Legislative Director, at (202) 724-7002 or ecash@dccouncil.gov .

Testimony should be submitted through the Council’s Hearing Management System (https://lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings ) in advance of the hearing.  Testimony will be publicly accessible upon Committee review.  

If you are unable to testify at the hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record.  Statements for the record should be submitted through the Hearing Management System or left by voicemail by calling (202) 430-6948 (up to 3 minutes which will be transcribed). The record will close at 5:00 pm on Wednesday,

The hearing will be at 2:30pm, Room 412, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.