Ward Liasons for DCRA

Maybe this would help DCRA be more responsive to the community on issues like problem liquor stores and fast food restaurants being automatic certificates of ocupancy. From the HSMS listserv:


Dr. Canavan, please accept this signed, electronic copy of the letter until the
original arrives by postal service.

Councilmember Graham, our ANC has been dealing with a number of issues with DCRAover the past few years. We believe establishing ward liaisons would not onlyhelp the Commission, but significantly reduce the time the "system" takes to
respond to basic issues and inquires. As you know, most of the challenge is
just finding the right person or office that can provide assistance.

Early morning regards, Joe Fengler.

Ms. Nelson, please post on our website.

Text of attachment:

May 18, 2005

Dr. Patrick J. Canavan, Director
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
941 North Capitol Street, NE, Room 2200
Washington, DC 20002

Re: Recommendation for Ward Liaisons

Dear Dr. Canavan,

On May 12, 2005, ANC 6A voted unanimously to send this letter recommending thatDCRA establish Ward liaisons.

ANC 6A recommends that DCRA create Ward liaisons similar to those employed bythe District Department of Transportation and the Office of Planning. These Wardliaisons would answer questions and respond to inquiries on building permits,certificates of occupancy, abatement of nuisance property, and other issuesunder the jurisdiction of DCRA.

While we appreciate the efforts of DCRA staff such as Mr. Joseph McCarley, we
feel that the DCRA’s scope of responsibility and the number of issues that
regularly emerge in our ANC and Ward would justify the creation of multiple
staff positions with Ward-specific responsibilities and accountability.

If you have any questions or need further information about this recommendation,please contact Commissioner Cody Rice, Chair of ANC 6A’s Economic Developmentand Zoning Committee at 544-3734.

Respectfully yours,



Joseph Fengler
Chair, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A


cc: Councilmember Jim Graham
Councilmember Sharon Ambrose