April 26, 2006
Church Parking Roundup
Yes, there is enough news today on the church parking issue to both justify a roundup and provoke commenters into demanding that we stop covering the issue.
Church Parking Blog Launched: When in doubt, start a blog. Everyone has one, and as of this Tuesday, so does the vexing issue of church parking in Logan Circle. The blog's author has chosen to remain anonymous (for fear of being damned to an enternity in hell, should God not be allowed to double-park this Sunday), but they have so far taken on Council-member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and local ANC Commissioner Dee Hunter. We're waiting for someone to counter with a blog on religious freedom or, better yet, how Logan Circle's gentrifiers are using the parking issue as a means to drive out the remaining holdouts and rename the neighborhood Whitey Circle.
Everything is Official Business These Days: If anyone thinks DCist is dedicating a lot of time to the church parking issue, at least recognize this much -- we ain't got jack on the Washington Times, who seems to have assigned one of their few metro reporters to the career-making church parking beat. Today the Times breaks the news that pretty much anyone and everyone who can park illegally while on official government business does so. The practice has gotten so bad that even members of the clergy can park illegally by simply slapping a "Church Business" sign on their car. Even ANC Commissioner Hunter, long a proponent of double-parking on Sundays, does so, admitting the following to the Times:
I use it [official business sign] anytime I park anywhere. I go to church. I parked there with it this morning.We guess it's a little late to tell you that you do have the right not to incriminate yourself, Mr. Hunter.
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I'm starting a religion in which disobeying the law is the path to salvation. Join us!
How about teachers who can't park anywhere? I don't see them getting away with breaking the law. Instead, they're underpaid and ticketed.
What fascinates me about this case is not the Logan issue- but the ongoing problem of DC that the people who live here have no rights. Instead of letting DC residents make decisions, they're made by residents of MD and VA and/or Congress.
Why do I have to pay DC taxes, then???
My compliments to DCist for perpetually keeping the church parking issue on the front page.
maybe we can all slap "official DC taxpayer business" stickers on our cars.
I don't think the real problem is that DC residents have no rights or can't make decisions on these issues. Rather, Shaw, Logan, U St. and many other parts of the city have two distinct demographics, each of which wants to use the areas along their own interests. And the two groups are quarreling, rather than coming together as one unified community--or even trusting the government to act as a moderator--in order to reach a compromise on how to share the town and live ther happily.
I believe that differences in ethnicity, relgion, culture, wealth, education, and other characteristics that shape our behavior cause people of either community to view the others as a coaligned enemy to drive away, rather than a neighbor with whom to work toward a common good. I don't think the people that exert the most animosity, contempt, and influence in the debates over the issues I mentioned above are a majority. But until there are calls for collaboation and community that are as loud and fervent as the ones currently being leveled against the "gentrifiers" and the "religious reactionaries," I don't expect too much progress.
Loved the posts on the Logan Parking blog about Jack Evans. Where has he been on this issue? Oh, right ... siding with non-residents.
How about this for a solution? Anybody with a program from that Sunday morning's service getting on a bus (or train) near said church rides for free. That way there be a reduced need for parking and an increase in weekend Metro service. It could be a win for everyone.
TC
I'm surprised that nobody is making a connection between the parking issues in logan circle and the protests from churches against three establishments applying for liquor licenses--especially from the reporters from the Times and Post, who have written stories on both issues. There are disparate issues. In the case of liquor licenses, residents wishes are also being ignored. Residents in Shaw have repeatedly said that sit-down restaurants are what they need in their community and yet there are three trying to come to the neighborhood and shiloh and scripture cathedral have thus far single-handedly stopped all three--queen of sheba, vegetate and be bar--from getting their liquor licenses, which pretty much assures they will leave the neighborhood or go out of business. Perhaps if these churches weren't so divisive and keeping neighborhoods from thriving, residents could be a bit more sympathetic to their wants. But I don't see why anyone living in these neighborhoods should be willing to negotiate with these churchs when they not only illegally irritate residents but legally work to destroy development. And how can we not assume that shiloh's sole reason for protesting queen of sheba and vegetate was to put them out of business to protect their precious parking spaces? afterall, if their rich, spoiled maryland congregants can't park easily they may stay home, and that would put the churches out of business.
Jenn,
Are those restaurants open during the hours that the churches are having services? If not, then I don't see how they would impede parking for the services.
I do agree that the churches trying to prevent the sale of liquor is a factor slowing down economic growth. It's the rest of your rationale that seems disjointed.
TC
tc yes both establishments are open during church services.
can someone kick dee hunter in the ding dong next time they see him?
Jennifer, *everybody* is making that connection.
IndieCognition, I know you mean well with what you wrote, but how do you possibly connect those good intentions with the reality of the current situation? One side has been flagarantly breaking the law, but has been offered opportunities to explain themselves, compromises, flexibility, and countless other chances for engagement with the rest of the community -- and they've rejected them all.
Since this is Washington I have to make the political analogy. In a normal setting, sure, we'd all come together for a big group hug and solve our differences like adults (like plenty of neighborhoods have done elsewhere). But these particular churches are irrational actors whose position does not stand up to any logical, legal, or common-sense scrutiny. They've rejected all fair attempts to bring them to the negotiating table. They are the North Korea of local DC politics.
It is actually important for many priests to have access to parking. At hospitals, they are given assigned spaces, because it is a major part of their work. Yes, some have been abusing the use of the signs, but that does not mean that priests should not be allowed to have the privilege of special parking. Priests' responsibilites do include giving last rites before someone dies and so it is important to get in and out of places very quickly. Unfortunately, some have decided to take advantage of the system and misuse this right.
Sarah, these are not Catholic Churches and there are very few protestant churches that provide last rites. And besides, if the hospital wants to set aside some spots for clergy, then let them. That's not the issue. Actually, parking for the minister himself is not the issue (although it's a different branch of the same entitlement tree). It's parking for his congregants that is at issue.
Also, I wouldn't call parking privileges for clergy a "right". And according to the newspaper, there's nothing in the laws that provide for it in the first place. Although I suspect that any ticket given to a minister "on church business" (i.e. anytime) is thrown out by a sympathetic DMV.
Sarah:
As far as I know very few people actually die at church. So allowing priests to double park near church facilities wouldn't seem to make much sense.
ms: here is where Evans stands on the parking--in safe, secure, Georgetown where this type of crap would not be allowed: Sean Metcalf (communications director for CM Evans) emailed me today that the CM's position has not changed on enforcement: "Thanks for the email. Councilmember Evans' position has not changed -- The laws of DC should be enforced in full. The DC Council passed these laws and it is the responsibility of the Executive to ensure enforcement is performed." But, I read in the Washington Times: D.C. Council member Jack Evans, Ward 2 Democrat, whose district includes Logan Circle, said the mayor's plan to delay enforcement is acceptable. "I think the mayor has done the right thing to put together a task force to see if they can try to work this thing out," he said. Please email him and call his office and ask about the disparity of information and if double parking is acceptable in Georgetown? His number is 724-8058.
Here is Mayoral HOPEFUL Linda Cropp's response:"I absolutely support your right and the right of all residents to park without interference. I do not support illegal parking. I attended the
rally to urge support for solutions that respect that residents must be able to park freely, and also address the need for parking for churchgoers. This is consistent with my view that we must find creative solutions to our
parking problem. I voted to change our parking regulations to allow parking in certain restricted areas during late night and early mornings to increase the number of available, legal parking spaces. Specifically, from 10 p.m.
to 7:30 a.m., a resident now can park closer to an intersection, and can park in loading zones and in entrances--forbidden areas during all other hours. I would welcome the change to talk with you more about this. Please give me
your number or call me on 724-8032. Linda Cropp" Please do give her a call and tell her supporting our rights in THEORY are not the same as demanding the Mayor observe the task force recommendations and actions that have alread occurred. Tell her you will remember her actions come November.
That's September dwb, not November. Remember, the election for mayor is reserved for registered Democrats only.
What? Moveable type takes out even fake html code?
I put in a fake code saying essentially "axegrind off" (), but it read it as a real code. Funny.
Our politicians manage to stand for everything and nothing at the same time so I would not be surprised if this issue ends up in court (probably would be the best thing that could happen). I can only hope that judges/juries have some common sense.
I think I read somewhere that council members can park whereever they want without fear of getting a ticket. Is this still true? Whatever happened to government of the people for the people?
I was just on the Logan Circle Parking Problems blog and I saw where they are going to email public officials asking them to comment on the parking issue. I doubt they will get a response.
Why has this issue only blown up in the last few months? I've only read anything about it the past month, and never heard of it before then. How long has resentment between car owners and church goers been simmering? Was there a time that nobody living in Logan Circle cared that churchgoers double-park (pre-2000, pre-1990, what)? What changed?
email away: jackevans@dccouncil.us
I think the Logan Circle Parking blog has shown that Jack Evans will not do anything for the residents. I am sad to call him my representative on the DC Council. http://loganparking.blogspot.com/
Logan Cirle residents, does misery love company?
In Palm Beach County, Florida, county comissioners are fighting to have megachurches be capped in size to abide by some zoning restrictions. (When 20,000 people are headed over the converted Target, they have some serious traffic issues on Sundays.)
11 or so mega churches are locating/have located themselves in auditoriums or old movie theaters in residential areas, and their regular tramping in to the church is affecting the quality of life for those afflicted by the driving and parking field days had by the attendees.
The churches are saying that zoning in against their constiutional rights to freedom of religion and freedom of assembly.
Other cities, like Scotsdale, AZ, have considered similar measures against big box churches and the strain they put on a community.
It isn't actually the same, but you are not alone.
Jimbo, it's not really a new issue, and it's not a battle between car owners and churchgoers. I, for one, do not own a car. The illegal parking is as much a problem for me as it is for anyone who owns a car in the area. For me, diminished access for emergency vehicles is a big issue.
Further, I am others have been complaining about this issue for years. I think you are seeing news stories about this now is because after years of trying to get our leaders to do something about it, and after creating a plan that took all sides into account, the churches are trying to pull a fast one.
I agree with Robis. The churches have made this into a bigger issue than it had to be. All the blame for this getting out of hand in terms of DCist, Washinton Post, Washington TImes coverage and a new blog on the subject is their fault. This issue has been building up for a long long time and only through community action have Logan residents gotten city leaders to notice.
Has somebody created a good map of where the issues are going on? I'm not that familiar with the Logan Circle area, besides of course the circle itself and the little 14th St/P island of Whole Foods and condos. Some of the people at the Livejournal should put all the problem sites on Google maps or something.
Jack Evans Director of Communication emailed me that he saw my blog and asked if he should resond there (on the blog) or to me directly. I told him I was glad the CM was checking into his constituents' vision of his advocacy for us through various methods (blogs) and that his opinion poll numbers must be comparable with George Bush. I further told him we need someone who will take a stand and do what is right--the task force should not be trashed in favor of another task force and more delay. I further said that perhaps the CM should respond in his newsletter (which comes out every Friday) but that we needed action not rhetoric. Here is his response: "Our newsletter is weekly -- We take off one week during the spring recess, that is why there was not one last week. This week's newsletter WILL NOT [EMPHASIS ADDED] touch on the parking issue. However, we will cover that issue in an upcoming newsletter." Okay, maybe when pigs fly!
DWB, so the Logan Circle Parking blog is yours. Cool. I love it. Anyhow, Jack Evans is a joke and Metcalf is an a-shole. The guy was rude when I spoke to him and I don't think Evans or his staff cares about Logan residents.
ms: No the blog is not mine, I meant my comment on the blog.
Ok, so a better question should be will the Councilmember actually get involved instead of staffing this issue out?
Jack Evans finally has come out in support of Logan residents (http://loganparking.blogspot.com/). THis, however, is only after all of our pressure on Evans to do the right thing.
So I called up the mayor's callcenter and no new word on when the task force will be formed. I think Williams just wants to end this buy inaction. Time will kill anything is his thinking.
Call the Deputy Mayor for Operations 727-6053 and a better number for the Mayor 727-2980.