Kwame, Wells and Mendelson Introduce Neighborhood Business Tax Relief Legislation

WASHINGTON – Today, At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown, Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells and At-Large Councilmember Phil Mendelson introduced citywide legislation to give tax relief to businesses in commercial corridors undergoing transportation infrastructure improvements. The legislation was co-introduced by all 13 members of the Council.

“I’ve walked every major business corridor in the city,” said Councilmember Brown. “Many of these businesses are in areas with heavy transportation construction and the business owners expressed that they may not survive without help. We need a comprehensive solution that creates a win-win situation where businesses ultimately benefit from enhanced streetscapes and better neighborhood conditions.”

Councilmember Wells explained, “While the streetscape enhancements will ultimately provide more supports to our small businesses once complete, the disruption and pain created during the construction phase of the projects is significant.”

“Although small businesses may ultimately benefit from street and sidewalk improvements, it doesn’t do any good if they cannot survive to reap the benefits,” stated Councilmember Mendelson. “I am pleased to join Councilmembers Brown and Wells, along with our other colleagues, to recognize that there needs to be some relief. Indeed, this is a good start.”

Councilmember Brown spoke with business owners during a tour of the District’s Main Streets. While visiting Dupont Circle Main Street, P Street business owners raised concerns about the toll street construction was taking on their bottom lines. Councilmember Brown worked to secure funding for a valet service that helped P Street businesses make it through the construction but he also walked away determined to create a comprehensive solution for other corridors. He later introduced the “Neighborhood Commercial Corridor Tax Relief Strategy Act of 2007.”

Councilmember Brown revived the legislation today by working with Councilmember Wells to incorporate new provisions. The ongoing construction on H Street and other areas throughout the city prompted a renewed effort to provide relief. The act requires the Mayor to establish a real property tax relief strategy for neighborhood businesses in the District that includes:

• An administrative process for timely review of real property tax assessments of businesses owners upon notification by the Department of Transportation of scheduled infrastructure construction;

• An application for business owners for tax relief;

• The deferment without penalty for 180 days real property tax owed to the District; and

• Access to forms and services via the Internet on the website of the Office of Tax and Revenue and the DC Chamber of Commerce.

For more information or to interview Councilmember Brown, please contact Press Secretary Michael Price at 202-445-4510 or mprice@dccouncil.us.

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