Email to the community, October 19, from DCRA Director, Linda Argo.
“Last week, the District Government tried to negotiate with Clear Channel for voluntary removal of the billboards. When the parties failed to reach an agreement by Friday, the District Government informed Clear Channel that removal of the billboards by the government was imminent. In response, Clear Channel filed a lawsuit against the District this morning in D.C. Superior Court, seeking a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to stop the District from removing the billboards. The billboards will remain in place at least until the hearing on the motion for a TRO, which has been set for Wednesday afternoon.”
According to the D.C. Superior Court website, the case number is “2009 CA 007776 B CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR, INC Vs. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA” and is scheduled to be heard at 3:30 PM, Wednesday, October 21st. We are currently looking into whether or not this is open to the community.
Stay tuned!
Bates Area Civic Association 
Can someone at least try to get the city to properly assess the lot in the meantime. Their land assessment is currently $47,920.00 for 2009 and 2010. To put that in perspective, that’s $200,000 less than everyone else’s land assessment. The lot doesn’t have a street address other than lot/square, so this is probably why its gone unnoticed.
Hi Mike – according to the removal notice that DCRA posted on the property last week, the address is 311 P ST. The D.C. Tax Assessor’s office number is (202) 727-4TAX.
Interesting, according to http://dcatlas.dcgis.dc.gov/mar/ 311 is the house next door.
More info on the attorney representing ClearChannel.
http://www.rwdhc.com/fcooke.html
This is not unexpected, and I think it’s great because the District decided to force Clear Channel’s hand. We had been hearing all along that DCRA wanted to avoid a lawsuit, but they’ve essentially provoked this one. I’d like to think they’re in a position of power now, since Clear Channel has to fight to reverse the decision (rather than the city, or neighborhood, fighting to bring the billboards down). Keep us posted if there is any way that neighbors can lend support to DCRA’s case!
Ha! The lawyer who filed for Clear Channel was/is Marion Barry’s attorney…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/15/AR2009041502679.html
Anyone know of the best way to contact Clear Channel to voice our displeasure over their refusal to remove the billboards? Do you think residents calling to complain would help?
If you can come to the hearing, that’ll be the best place to find clear channel!