4209623 Resolution 20-37, "Streetscape Reconstruction Congressional Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2013"

A RESOLUTION

 

20-37 

 

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

February 19, 2013

 

To declare the existence of an emergency, due to Congressional review, with respect to the need to authorize a building owner or tenant of a building owner to reconstruct building projections in public space following the completion of the 18th Street streetscape construction project.

 

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the "Streetscape Reconstruction Congressional Review Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2013".

 

Sec. 2. (a) More than 20 ongoing and soon-to-begin roadway construction projects threaten the right of small and local property owners and business owners to the ongoing enjoyment of bay windows, staircases, patios, sidewalk cafes, and other building projections which exist or existed in public space before the commencement of streetscape projects.

(b) Small and local businesses and property owners are disproportionately affected by roadway construction because they are less likely to have the resources to survive a period of reduced income during the construction period.

(c) The impact on small business owners is compounded if they are unable or delayed in reconstructing building projections that may be integral to the operation of their businesses.

(d) Businesses are particularly vulnerable during this economic downturn and have fewer resources to suffer through the delays and expenses that might be incurred in seeking approval to reconstruct building projections after streetscape projects.

(e) Emergency legislation passed by the Council on November 15, 2012 will expire on March 2, 2013, and temporary legislation to be approved by Congress will not take effect until March 22, 2013, resulting in a 20-day gap between effective legislation.

(f) This emergency act is necessary to prevent a gap in the legal authority.

 

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 Streetscape Reconstruction Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2013 be adopted after a single reading.

 

Sec. 4.  This resolution shall take effect immediately.