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Graham urges Mayor to petition Zoning Commission
on displaced clubs
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
February 8, 2006
The Honorable Anthony A. Williams
Mayor
District of Columbia
The John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
Dear Mayor Williams:
The purpose of this letter is to request that you petition the Zoning Commission to issue an emergency text amendment to the zoning regulations to allow several ABC licensee establishments currently located in or near the proposed baseball stadium site greater flexibility in relocating in the District.
The District's zoning laws regarding sexually oriented businesses are very restrictive. Assuming these licensees are sexually oriented businesses, I am informed that there is nowhere in the district where these licensees may move as a matter of right.
Under current zoning restrictions, these bars would only be allowed to move to the Central Business District and nearby areas, and then only through special exception. Sexually oriented businesses must seek a use variance from the Board of Zoning Adjustment ("BZA") to move to the Central Business District and the nearby area. I am told by the licensees that moving downtown is neither financially or practically feasible.
Only a text amendment to the zoning regulations from the Zoning Commission can change those restrictions. Otherwise, these businesses face certain extinction.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and am available to work with you on a resolution.
Sincerely,
Jim Graham
JG/sh
Ms. Carol Mitten, Chairman, Zoning Commission