Those clever and innovative folks at DCRA are piloting a new program to help take the aggravation out of residents' vacant property woes and add more sunlight to DCRA's processes. They will begin to test the new program with the MVSNA and the CCCA to see how it works out and work out any kinks in the plan. So, please consider taking a look at the following files and check those against the facts and reality of what you see when walking, biking or driving around your area to confirm that current DCRA vacant property information is accurate. Send your feed back to the ShawListServ or bring them up at the next CCCA meeting and we will pass along comprehensive updates to DCRA.

On the map below (download full size verson here) of the Convention Center Community Association service area shows 87 properties currently-identified by DCRA as vacant, exempt, and blighted properties. You can also download a pdf or spreadsheet which breaks out the addresses and square/lot information for each of the vacant and blighted properties, and the same information for the exempt properties, along with the grounds for the exemption.

(I know someone is going to be happy that 509 O Street NW (at right), is now FINALLY listed on the "blighted" property list after at least 4 — if not 40 years.)

The goals of DCRA's pilot vacant property program are:

(1) To make DCRA's vacant property information readily available to the local community;
(2) To encourage and empower community members review DCRA's information for accuracy and let them know of additional properties that may be vacant or may qualify as blighted; and
(3) To allow inspectors to review the community-provided information and move expeditiously to inspect any new possibly vacant or potentially blighted properties.

DCRA has created a new page on its website with all the information on the new vacant property laws, effective October 1, 2010.

DCRA has posted a guidance document with its interpretation of several provisions of the law, as well as the overall process on designating properties as vacant or blighted.

DCRA is looking forward to this pilot program's success and expanding it to a few ANCs (with competent and engaged ANC Commissioners willing to work hard for those who elect them — but first we need to elect the right ones....). So far, I'm really impressed. Keep up the good work DCRA even when the Administration goes from "green" to Gray.