Release: Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2022
Contact: Nick DelleDonne,
703 929 6656
City Board Says 300-ton Roof Not a 'Roof,'
Denies Residents’ Appeal
Construction Continues on Massive Masonic Temple
The Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) this morning affirmed the city’s claim that the 300-ton roof over the Masonic Temple at 16th and S Streets, NW, is not a roof but a 'dispensable embellishment' that does not keep the weather from the Temple sanctuary. Each of the BZA members, Chair Fred Hill, Vice Chair Lorna John, Carl Blake, Zoning Commissioner Peter May and Chris Smith (by absentee vote) spoke to deny the appeal.
The appeal was filed on behalf of residents by Dupont East Civic Action Association (DECAA) to stop the construction of the Masons’ proposed oversized, inappropriate luxury apartment building to the rear of the historic landmark Masonic Temple, blocking public view of the rear of the world-renown architectural marvel.
“It's ridiculous to say that this massive, 300-ton structure which keeps the weather out of the Temple is an 'unnecessary embellishment,'” said DECAA president Nick DelleDonne. “We will make the decision historic with our appeal. The days when twisting regulations to benefit developers at the expense of the community will end.”
Separately, DECAA’s lawsuit against the city on the Masonic luxury development was heard Feb. 10 by the DC Court of Appeals which remanded 8 of 9 issues to the DC Superior Court and took the 9th issue under advisement.
Watch the BZA vote on YouTube Live: Click here
Carl Willis of WJLA-7 filed this report on the historic case last week seen here
Last week’s 6-hour BZA hearing appears here https://play.champds.com/dczoning/event/324
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