5703908 Resolution 21-233, Closing of a Public Alley in Square 197, S.O. 15-23895, Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2015

A RESOLUTION

                                                        

21-233

 

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

October 6, 2015         

 

 

To declare the existence of an emergency with respect to the need to order the closing of a portion of the public alley system in Square 197, bounded by L Street, N.W., 15th Street, N.W., M Street, N.W., and 16th Street, N.W., in Ward 2.

 

            RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Closing of a Public Alley in Square 197, S.O. 15-23895, Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2015".

 

            Sec. 2.   (a) There exists an immediate need to approve emergency legislation to close a portion of the public alley system in Square 197, S.O. 15-23895.

(b) The alley closing will facilitate the development of a new office building that will serve as the headquarters building for Fannie Mae and will include ground-floor retail use.  The alley-closing legislation requires the recordation of a covenant establishing an easement of between 5 feet and 8 feet in width to widen the existing north-south alley at the ground level to provide a continuous 20-foot wide passageway at grade to the public.  In addition, the development will have a positive fiscal impact on the District of Columbia through the generation of substantial new property tax revenues as well as substantial sales and business tax revenues.

(c) The alley closing has received letters of no objection from all reviewing District agencies and utilities and is supported by Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2B.

(d) On September 22, 2015, the Council voted unanimously on first reading to enact the Closing of a Public Alley in Square 197, S.O. 15-23895, Act of 2015, passed on 2nd reading on October 6, 2015 (enrolled version of Bill 21-240), permanent legislation to close the alley.  Given the decision to go forward with the closing, there is no benefit to further delay.  Securing the alley-closing approval is essential for the applicant to move forward in a timely manner with the development.  Making the closing effective sooner will enable the project to proceed without the risk of delay.  

           

            Sec. 3    The Council of the District of Columbia determines that the circumstances enumerated in section 2 constitute emergency circumstances making it necessary that the Closing of a Public Alley in Square 197, S.O. 15-23895, Emergency Act of 2015 be adopted after a single reading.

           

            Sec. 4.   This resolution shall take effect immediately.