BROWN TO HOLD 4TH NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE
Committee on Economic Development
Announces a Public Hearing on
B17-181 “Neighborhood Investment Amendment Act of 2007” Wednesday, July 11, 2007 AT 5PM
First Baptist Church of Deanwood
1008 45th Street N.E.
Washington, DC 20019 Councilmember Kwame R. Brown, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, announces a Public Hearing on: B17-181 “Neighborhood Investment Amendment Act of 2007”. The Hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at 5PM at the First Baptist Church of Deanwood, 1008 45th Street, N.E., Washington, D.C 20019. This Hearing is co-sponsored by Councilmember Yvette Alexander. Those who wish to testify should contact Mr. John Adams at the Committee on Economic Development by email at Jadams@DCCouncil.us or by telephone (202) 727-6683 by 5pm on Monday, July 9, 2007. E-mail contacts should include the full name, title, and affiliation – if applicable – of the person(s) wishing to testify. Witnesses should bring 10 copies of their written testimony to the hearing. Representatives of organizations will be allowed a maximum of five (5) minutes for oral presentation and individuals will be allowed a maximum of three (3) minutes for oral presentation. If you are unable to attend the hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted to the Committee on Economic Development, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 119, Washington, DC 20004 no later than 5:30pm Friday, July 20, 2007. *************************************************************************************************** APPLICATIONS FOR HOMEOWNER GRANTS TO RESTORE ANACOSTIA NEIGHBORHOOD DUE JULY 9 The Targeted Historic Preservation Assistance Amendment Act of 2006 creates a new financial incentive to help qualified homeowners in 12 historic districts pay for certified rehabilitation work. The grants are available to cover exterior or structural work in the following districts: Anacostia, Blagden Alley/Naylor Court, Capitol Hill, Fourteenth Street, LeDroit Park, Mount Pleasant, Mount Vernon Square, Mount Vernon Triangle, Shaw, Strivers' Section, U Street, and Takoma Park. The program launch targets the Anacostia Historic District with an allocation of $300,000. An additional $900,000 will be available for projects in all 12 historic districts after September 30, 2007. An additional $1.25 millon has been proposed for the following year. The application process has two steps. The deadline for Anacostia Historic District residents to apply for the initial funding phase is 5:00 pm Monday, July 9, 2007. The Part I application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Part II of the application will be available to qualified applicants on July 13, 2007. The Part I application and general FAQ sheet may be accessed at the links below. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Historic Preservation Office by calling (202) 442-8800 or sending an email to: historic.preservation@dc.gov.
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BROWN OFFERS TAX EXEMPTIONS TO ATTRACT RESTAURANT & RETAIL TO UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES
Councilmember Kwame R. Brown introduced legislation that would provide tax exemptions to qualified restaurants and retail establishments in efforts to attract greater services to underserved communities.
The “ Neighborhood Restaurant and Retail Tax Incentive Act of 2007,” amends Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code as it was made obsolete by the repealing of the National Capital Revitalization Corporation (NCRC) to provide exemptions for owners of restaurants, hotels and retail businesses located un underserved areas, DC Main Streets or in a targeted area under the Neighborhood Investment Fund Program from sales taxes on the purchase of building materials and equipment used to undertake the construction or remodeling of acquired properties. The proposed legislation also exempts the qualified restaurant, hotel and retail business from payment of license fees, personal property taxes and real property taxes levied. Acting on his commitment and focus on bring neighborhood development to fruition, Councilmember Brown believes that the incentives will allow the District to meet the needs of communities and provide new opportunities for growth in neglected areas. “Our community leaders have fought far too long to bring sit-down restaurants and family friendly establishments to our neighborhoods, said Brown. “The incentives will encourage prospective retailers and restaurant owners to extend their services to more residents than tourists.” “Once establishing a location in the District, the owners will recognize their decision as an invaluable investment in fostering an enjoyable atmosphere to customers while providing employment opportunities to our communities.” The bill was referred to the Council’s Committee on Finance and Revenue. ********************************************************************************************************* DDOE OFFERS LOW-INCOME DC RESIDENTS DISCOUNTS ON UTILITY BILLS
(Washington, DC) The District Department of the Environment offers discounted rates on electric, gas, telephone and water bills for eligible District residents through our Utility Discount Programs (UDP). Residents with electric space heating can save up to $240 per year on electricity bills, those without can save about $100 per year. Washington Gas customers can receive discounted rates during the months of highest usage; customers will be charged the regular rate for the months when usage is low.
The Utility Discount Programs allow eligible Verizon customers, 64 years and under, to receive local telephone service for $3.00 per month. Customers who are 65 years and older will pay only $1.00 per month for local telephone service. Washington Area Sewer Authority (WASA) customers who participate in the Utility Discount Programs can be exempt from paying a portion of the water they use monthly. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these Utility Discount Programs. Those who participate in the programs must re-apply every year. For more information, please call the Energy Hotline at (202) 673-6750. Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines for Utility Discount Programs Household Size Maximum Annual Income 1 - $14,700 2 - $19,800 3 - $24,900 4 - $30,000 5 - $35,100 6 - $40,200 7 - $45,300 8 - $50,400 ******************************************************************************************************* FREDERICK DOUGLASS MEMORIAL BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FOR TWO MONTHS STARTING TODAY During the closure of the Douglass Bridge, the 11th Street Bridges will serve as the main detour routes for motorists. Northbound drivers will follow signed detours to the I-295/11th Street Bridge providing direct access into the District. To increase capacity and help keep traffic flowing, DDOT recently paved an additional travel lane on part of this northbound detour route—the stretch of I-295 between Suitland Parkway and the 11th Street Bridge. Southbound drivers will follow signed detours to the Southeast Freeway to the 11th Street Bridges. Due to added volume on the 11th Street Bridges, drivers should expect delays and plan accordingly. Traffic engineers estimate that morning commutes may take an additional 20 minutes and afternoon commutes could take between 20-30 additional minutes. Bicyclists and pedestrians will be directed through Anacostia Park, located east of the Anacostia River, and then to the 11th Street Bridges. Bicyclist and pedestrian access to the southwest area will be via M Street, SW to Half Street, SW and Eye Streets, SW and SE. Extensive coordination with DC, Maryland and Virginia traffic operation centers is ensuring that highway message signs listing the bridge closure and alternate routes are strategically placed along all major roadways leading to the Douglass Bridge. To help keep traffic moving as safely and efficiently as possible, DDOT will continuously monitor traffic conditions on the detour routes and will quickly deploy motorist assistance patrols if needed. Extensive coordination with emergency response agencies will help ensure that incidents are rapidly cleared and that distressed motorists are quickly assisted.
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