NORTON INTRODUCES BILL TO REMOVE AUTHORITY OF U.S. COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS OVER LOCAL D.C. LAND USE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – RealEstateRama – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill today to remove the authority of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), a federal agency, over District of Columbia-owned property and private property in D.C. The bill would expand home rule for the District. This Congress, Norton has introduced two other land-use home-rule bills, one to give D.C. the authority to appoint all members of the D.C. Zoning Commission and another to remove the authority of the National Capital Planning Commission over D.C.-owned real property.
“Quite apart from our fight for D.C. statehood, I will continue our two-track approach to achieve complete self-government for the District,” Norton said. “Land-use policies are among the most important priorities for state and local jurisdictions. Whether it is the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, the D.C. Zoning Commission, or the National Capital Planning Commission, federal authorities have no business in local land decisions. Not only is this interference a violation of home rule, it delays and increases costs for development in the District.”
Under presidential executive orders and federal law, the CFA has review authority over D.C.-owned parks and buildings, as well as certain private land in D.C. Under the Shipstead-Luce Act, CFA has review authority over the design of private buildings in the District “adjacent to public buildings and grounds of major importance.” Under the Old Georgetown Act, the CFA has review authority over the design of private buildings in the part of Georgetown referred to as “Old Georgetown.” The Members of the CFA are appointed by the President.
Norton’s introductory statement follows.
Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
on the Introduction of the Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Home Rule Act
August 8, 2023
Today, I introduce the Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Home Rule Act. This bill would remove the authority of the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) over non-federal real property in the District of Columbia.
Under presidential executive orders (EOs) and federal law, the CFA has review authority for D.C.-owned parks and buildings, as well as for certain private land in D.C. Under the relevant EOs, CFA has review authority for the design of D.C.-owned parks and buildings. Under the Shipstead-Luce Act, CFA has review authority for the design of private buildings in D.C. “adjacent to public buildings and grounds of major importance,” such as Rock Creek Park and the Potomac riverfront. Under the Old Georgetown Act, the CFA has review authority for the design of private buildings in the part of Georgetown referred to as “Old Georgetown” in the act.
The federal government, including the CFA, whose members are appointed by the President, has no business in D.C. land-use policies and decisions unrelated to the federal presence. Not only is the federal government’s authority over D.C. buildings and private property a violation of home rule, it also delays and increases the cost of public and private development in D.C.
This bill is an important step to increase home rule for D.C. I urge my colleagues to support it.
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