Media Alert: Friday, Dec. 24, 2021
Contact: Nick DelleDonne,
703 929 6656
Masonic Construction OKd without Discussion of ‘Twisted’ Language
Late Wednesday afternoon, the Bowser-dominated Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), in a lightening decision, gave the go-ahead to the controversial construction at the Masonic Temple at 15th & S Sts., NW. The approval was made without discussion of how the Masons and their developer, Perseus, have twisted the land-use regulations beyond recognition. For example, to fit their oversize building onto the new postage-stamp size lot, the Masons are rotating the Temple 90 degrees, pretending S Street is the front (when in fact it’s on 16th St.) which puts an 11-foot wall in the rear yard, when only 4 feet is allowed.
The emergency motion to stop construction was filed by the neighborhood civic association, Dupont East Civic Action Association (DECAA). BZA made its decision without asking for participation of the attorneys from any of the parties. Board Chair Lorna John remarked, the developer proceeds “at risk” should BZA decide the main case in DECAA’s favor in a hearing set for February 22, 2022.
“The decision only points again to the need to preserve green space and to push back on unwanted displacement development by the Bowser Administration,” said DECAA president Nick DelleDonne. “This is another example of the city squandering precious resources with policies that displace longtime, low-income black and brown residents.”
The hearing can be heard here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zatl4nqHDQE beginning at 8:28 through 8:46.
