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BROWN VOTES ‘NO’ TO RELOCATION OF NUDE CLUBS DENOUNCES ANTI-GAY MESSAGING Councilmember Kwame R. Brown expresses his concerns with recent discussion to relocate nude bars: “During the past six weeks, I have spent numerous hours discussing the views of all groups on what has become a contentious debate. My decision to place the views of the residents above any other deciding factor in no part implies opposition to the venues’ patrons. Nor does my position imply that I do not support Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) establishments. My position simply demonstrates my continuous commitment to represent the neighborhoods first.” “While I respect our residents’ passion to protect our communities, I cannot tolerate the viciously inconsiderate anti-gay comments that I have heard and read. Democracy in action is great but not at the hand of discrimination and malice. I am truly appalled by the electronic messaging that transpired. Therefore, I do not share the sentiments expressed by neighbors to ban the relocation of adult entertainment establishments on the basis of the patrons’ sexual orientation.” “With the amended legislation now passed, I hope that both the civic leaders and business owners will establish an agreement with the community that will ensure that both patrons and neighbors will be respected.” ### CHAIRMAN BROWN WORKS WITH MAYOR FENTY TO BRING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO COMPLETION After weeks of review, Councilmember Kwame Brown, Chairman of the Council’s Committee on Economic Development coordinated with Mayor Adrian Fenty to help strengthen the District’s focus on economic development projects. As a result on Tuesday, June 6, the Council passed legislation that abolishes the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation (NCRC) and the National Capital Revitalization Corporation (NCRC). Councilmember Brown will work closely with the Fenty administration to achieve maximum return to ensure neighborhood development is a priority. "Timing and closure is the number one concern,” said Brown. “It is time to complete projects in the pipeline and to start projects in neighborhoods that are continuously overlooked.” Mayor Fenty has agreed to continue the workings of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI), which ensures that 51 percent of new hires are District residents; adequate local business participation and affordable housing measures are executed. Additionally, the environmental standards established by AWC will continue to be implemented. Councilmember Brown will hold a series of community roundtables to evaluate progress of greatly anticipated development projects. All lead developers will be invited to present a full report to the Committee on the progress of pending projects and outline the additional resources needed for completion. In addition to providing testimony, local developers, construction authorities and companies involved will exhibit the details of each phase of the projects and be available to answer inquiries from local businesses and residents. This is the first time the chairman of the Committee on Economic Development will bring the development discussion to neighborhoods. The roundtables will give residents an opportunity to hear and participate in the developmental process. They will learn first- hand from the administration on how they are planning to deal with neighborhood development COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLES June 16, 2007 10:00AM Progress of Economic Development Projects in Southwest and Near Southeast D.C. (Ward 6) Westminster Presbyterian Church 400 I Street, SW Washington, DC JUNE 26, 2007 4:00PM Progress of Neighborhood Economic Development Projects in Ward 8 Matthews Memorial Baptist Church 2616 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue S.E. Washington, DC JUNE 29, 2007 6:00PM Progress of Neighborhood Economic Development Projects Along Georgia Avenue, N.W. (Ward 4) Emery Recreation Center 5701 Georgia Avenue NW Washington, DC JULY 11, 2007 6:00PM Progress of Neighborhood Economic Development Projects in Ward 7 First Baptist Church of Minnesota Avenue 3440 Minnesota Ave, S.E. Washington, DC Enter Text Enter Text