Author Archives: Lindsey Walton

MENDELSON HOLDS JOINT ROUNDTABLE ON PROTECTING RESIDENTS’ RIGHTS

By news

WASHINGTON, DC – DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Anita Bonds held a joint-roundtable Thursday February 4th on protecting the rights of tenants at the Congress Heights Metro Station. The purpose of this roundtable was to provide a forum to discuss the actions of politically-connected developers over the last two years to remove low income tenants from apartment units in Congress Heights in order to make way for a new development.

“These tenants are being forced out under slum-like conditions,” Mendelson said. “And the result will be much less affordable housing in Ward 8.”

According to a lawsuit filed by the Office of the Attorney General against Sanford Capital and its affiliates, complaints include rodents, bedbug infestations, improperly maintained plumbing facilities, lack of heat, lack of hot water, defective electrical outlets, and, in at least one case, a structurally unsound ceiling that collapsed on tenants. The Council is concerned about Sanford Capital’s dangerous disregard for the basic welfare of its tenants.

“What’s going on with this project speaks to what’s really going on with affordability in this city,” Mendelson pointed out. “On the one hand we talk about trying to preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing, while on the other hand we turn a blind eye to wealthy developers seeking to destroy low income housing in the pursuit of profit. When one looks at what’s actually happening with the housing conditions that these tenants are forced to live in, you can’t help but wonder if there isn’t some criminal intent.”

 

 

Chairman Mendelson’s Monthly Interview on NewsTalk with Bruce DePuyt

By news, Uncategorized

Chairman Mendelson appears on NewsTalk with Bruce DePuyt every first Thursday of the month.

Here you can see archived links to those interviews:

November 2016 – Bruce & Phil talk Metro, DC Statehood and Death with Dignity

October 2016 – Derelict Housing & Police-involved shootings were the main topics discussed with Bruce DePuyt

September 2016 –  Chairman Mendelson and Bruce say goodbye to DC leaders Kaya Henderson & Chief Cathy Lanier

August 2016 – Bruce and the Chairman discuss DC Statehood and Metro’s money woes

July 2016

June 2016 – Kim Suiters asks the Chairman about Budget Autonomy, Parking Meters and Metro’s Safetrack Program. (Part 2 is HERE)

May 2016 – Bruce DePuyt focused his questions for Chairman Mendelson on WMATA, Statehood, the DC Trust and the Mayor’s Homeless plan

April 2016 – Chairman Mendelson and Bruce DePuyt discuss the Wizards Practice facility, Budget Autonomy and $15 per hour minimum wage.

March 2016 – Melanie Hastings hosts the Chairman as they discuss Economic Development, The Mayor’s Homeless Shelter Plan, and the upcoming Budget Season.

February 2016 – In Part 1, the Chairman discusses Universal Paid Family Leave, Walmart’s decision to Back out of 2 Developments and Clean-up of Snowzilla.  He also discussed Marijuana Legislation in Part 2 of the conversation.

January 2016 – Chairman Mendelson joined Melanie Hastings to talk about Gun Control, Crime Prevention and the Proposed increases on traffic violations.

December 2015 – The Chairman discusses DC Gun Laws, Paid Family Leave and Metro’s New General Manager

November 2015 – The Chairman discusses the search for Metro’s new GM and Homelessness

 

December 2015 Chairman’s Update

By Uncategorized

The December edition of the Chairman’s Update is now available online here or below.  In this edition Phil:

  • Addresses Homelessness in the District
  • Explains Legislation Strengthening the DC Auditor’s Officer
  • Shares Concerns about Campaign Contributions

In addition, the Chairman’s Update lists upcoming hearings of the Committee of the Whole

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