3873615 Resolution 19-595, "Verizon Center Graphics and Entertainment Congressional Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2012"

A RESOLUTION

                                                        

19-595  

 

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

October 2, 2012

 

 

To declare the existence of an emergency, due to Congressional review, with respect to the need to amend  Chapter 31A of Title 12A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations to authorize and establish guidelines for the issuance of permits for the erection of graphic displays and digital signage on the exterior of the Verizon Center building.

 

            RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Verizon Center Graphics and Entertainment Congressional Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2012”.

 

               Sec. 2.  (a) There is an immediate need to enact emergency legislation to fill the gap in

the law between the October 29, 2012, expiration of the Verizon Center Graphics and

Entertainment Emergency Amendment Act of 2012, effective July 31, 2012 (D.C. Act 19-423,

59 DCR 9368) (“Emergency Act”), and the enactment of the permanent version, Bill 19-517,

approved by the Council on 2^nd  reading on September 19, 2012.

(b) The Emergency Act amends Chapter 31 of Title 12A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations to authorize and establish guidelines for the issuance of permits for the erection of graphic displays and digital signage on the exterior of the Verizon Center building.

               (c) The Verizon Center is a major entertainment hub in the District of Columbia which

has generated approximately $2.4 billion in tax revenues and created more than 49,000 jobs in

and around the Chinatown/Penn Quarter neighborhoods since opening in 1997.

               (d) New modern digital and static displays on the Verizon Center will replace the

current outdated signage and improve the aesthetic appeal of the building.

               (e) New comprehensive sign regulations will not be before the Council for approval

until 2013.

               (f) New signage is important for the Verizon Center as preparations are underway to

make the building ready for the upcoming sports seasons this fall.  Adoption of this emergency

is necessary to fill the gap in the law between the expiration of the Emergency Act and the

enactment of Bill 19-517 so that there can be ample time for the permitting process to take place.

 

 

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 Verizon Center Graphics and Entertainment Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2012 be adopted after a single reading.

 

Sec. 4.  This resolution shall take effect immediately.