May 18, 2007
Shiloh Baptist Church Properties Condemned
Four properties on 9th St. NW that are owned by Shiloh Baptist Church have been officially condemned by the city. Notices on the buildings indicate the city’s Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings considers the properties “in such insanitary condition as to endanger the health or the lives of the occupants thereof and/or persons in the vicinity.”
Shiloh's vacant properties have been a subject of heated debate within one of the most acrimonious ANCs in the District for many years. The church owns a huge proportion of the buildings in the immediate vicinity of 9th and P Streets NW, most of which are long-empty, rotting, boarded up and frequently temporary shelter for the homeless. The conditions of the Shiloh properties, and the church's presumed unwillingness to sell its valuable land to developers in an attempt to prevent further gentrification of the neighborhood, has been one of the most visible battle lines in the changing face of Washington over the last decade.
Before we go any further, you should know that I live directly around the corner from these buildings. I walk by them every day, and my house abuts a common yard with several of them, so if anyone's health or life is in danger from their current decrepit state, it's me. It also stands to reason there are probably few people who'd like to see these properties developed into something productive more than me. They attract rodents and other pests, are an eyesore in an otherwise attractive neighborhood, and stand in the way of potential further retail expansion in that part of 9th St.
All that being said, the popular demonization of the entire Shiloh Baptist Church community within the neighborhood is excessive. True, most of the church members no longer live in D.C., and instead drive in from Maryland to attend services and participate in church community meetings. But most of them don't like having disgusting, abandoned buildings next to their church, either. I've spoken to several longtime Shiloh members, including members of the church leadership, about this issue, and there is a serious divide within the church about the financial direction it's been heading in under the leadership of Rev. Wallace Charles Smith.
As the City Paper reported in March, more progressive board members have only recently come on board who favor developing the properties, and while Rev. Smith's stranglehold on control of the church coffers has up until now remained unchecked, I have good reason to believe that could soon change. It's important to remember that the church currently acts in the interest of only a very few individuals, not the hundreds of families who belong to Shiloh. To be sure, controversial former ANC commissioner Leroy Thorpe does not speak for Shiloh's congregation, no matter how much he'd like to think he does.
But the current state of this section of Shaw, thanks to Rev. Smith's unwillingness to act, is indeed shameful. I don't think anyone in the neighborhood is disappointed to hear that the condemnations will now force the church to improve the buildings by installing permanent roofs, fixing brickwork and masonry, installing gutters and down spouts, and cleaning the interiors. Hopefully this action will encourage the silent majority within Shiloh to force the leadership to take it one step further and return these properties to productive use.
Photos by Sommer Mathis
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This ought to be good. When I first glanced at the headline in the Examiner I thought the Church itself was condemned and would be torn down. I live on 10th and M and would like to see it razed.
I predict a thread of say 60 responses. let's see/
I've responded to this story on other neighborhood blogs, but I think it warrants another here.
I've been renting here in Shaw for about 3 years now. I love the neighborhood, the people, and the community. I've been excited every time a new dining establishment opens its doors, and have tried to visit them all as often as I can. I've not attended any ANC meetings or community hearing because I've never felt that as a renter I had much right. I've never considered buying a home in the area because I couldn't imagine living around so many shabby properties, and with such a bad neighbor as Shiloh. This action changes things though, and owning here seems more attractive than it ever did. I really think that Shiloh's (and other local churches) stranglehold on community issues is slipping and I'm glad for it. Don't get me wrong I've got nothing against a churches involvement in their community, but they've got to be good neighbors.
@chris lee - I live at 10th and M too, so hello neighbor.
So glad to see this on the front page of the Examiner this morning. I hope this is a sign of things to come in Shaw. The corruption in the ANC and at Shiloh Baptist cannot last forver; too many people are paying attention now. Its only a matter of time.
@chris lee - I live at 10th and M too, so hello neighbor.
I was ecstatic to see this on the front page of the Examiner this morning. I feel like the tide in Shaw is finally turning. The corruption in our ANC and at Shiloh Baptist can't last much longer; too many people are paying attention now.
Leroy Thorpe and Rev. Wallace Charles Smith can try all they want to turn this into a debate about black vs. white, or newcomer vs. long-time residents, but its becoming increasingly clear to everyone that this is about a few stubborn individuals standing in the way of the vast majority that want to see economic development in Shaw, and make it a safer and more livable place for ALL of us, no matter what the color of our skin is or how long we've lived here.
Does a city condemnation really do anything, though? I've lived in Columbia Heights for seven months, and every day I pass by another abandoned property with a city "condemned" sticker on the front of it. In the entire time I've lived here, I've never seen any renovation go on, nor have I seen any kind of activity take place there. It's just been abandoned to rot, apparently.
Argh sorry for the double post. That was amateur!
"But most of them don't like having disgusting, abandoned buildings next to their church, either."
Yes, but I bet a fair number of them wouldn't mind those abandoned buildings be torn down for parking. That is one of the likely scenarios when you let a building rot for long enough.
Praise Be, as they say.
This is a small sign of hope. I've never understood why DC politicians kiss the butts of these churches to the obvious detriment of actual taxpaying DC residents nearby. The vast majority of their congregation moved to MD years ago.
Those properties are in a Historic District, so they cannot be razed without going through the historic review process. It is a shame that the church is setting such a horrid example for the community and city.
If Shiloh doesn't make necessary improvements within 15 days of the notice, DCRA will get the work done and file a lien against the properties for the costs.
To pile onto Hillman's comment, aren't churches tax exempt for the most part?
@ chris L. i live near you, so hello, neighbor!
the black/white question is garbage. if shiloh is concerned that people moving in are driving a black/white divide, then i challenge shiloh to go and find 10 black people and help them purchase and move into those properties. could they then whine about white people lining up to snatch those properties? hell - i don't care what COLOR my neighbors are! I just want neighbors, not vacant, rotting, decrepit, rat-infested structures that are inhabited by drug users! in fact, i think that shiloh itself would be a beautiful condominium - imagine living in the top floor with 14' ceilings and a trader joes in the basement! and i could then get my car out on Sunday!
Great ... hopefully DCRA is also taxing them at the high rate (for vacant properties). Perhaps if the church has to start dishing out money they will sell or develop the sites.
"Those properties are in a Historic District, so they cannot be razed without going through the historic review process. It is a shame that the church is setting such a horrid example for the community and city."
Ideally, yes. But Richard Layman has documented instances where churches do get rid of historic buildings for parking. Either they let the building rot so much that it's unsalvagable or they just tear it down and the city looks the other way.
Check out this post for an example (it's below Mariah):
urbanplacesandspaces.blogspot.com/2006/07/democracy-is-more-than-voting-or-vote.html
The Examiner says Shiloh paid $68,000 in real estate taxes (including penalties) on these houses in 2006.
Layman knows his stuff, but I really doubt that would be tolerated in Shaw. Also consider the rotting facade at 14th and T. Is the next door construction making it unstable? Judging by the fresh cracks in the mortar, I'd hazard that it is.
Leroy Thorpe, a former Shaw ANC commissioner, said he can’t blame the church. “You’ve got the newcomers who’ve come to the community who are dividing the community along racial lines in an effort to push people out,” Thorpe said Thursday.
Leroy's always entertaining. See those abandoned properties over there? The ones owned by the churches whose constituents live almost exclusively in the suburbs? IT'S THE NEWCOMERS FAULT!
Last time I checked close to half of the abandoned properties in downtown DC are owned by churches. A good third are owned by the District Government; those privately held are a relatively small percentage. Until the two biggest slumlords are held accountable for their lack of action, look forward to more urban ghettofication and race-baiting.
Don't listen to a thing Leroy says. He is a convicted criminal -- sexual predator.
I feel like the Old Testament prophet who cried in the wilderness at 8th and Q for 21 years, and finally someone is listening. Thanks, folks. Please do not shrink away when the preachers and the self-anointed mahdis play the race card --you know they will-- Shiloh has disgraced us all, regardless of race, for almost half a century with their vacant properties and haughty arrogance. Their wicked ways against legitimate businesses opening in our community must cease. Please, please, keep up the fight --Babylon the Great is falling! (No, I'm not really this crazy in person)
It's tough to say whether the city is leveling the higher abandoned property mill rate on those properties. The article says they're valued at 2 million. It's not clear if that's the assessed value or an estimated market value. If it's the assessed value, than $68k per year is below the taxes they'd pay for $2 million of abandoned buildings (that would be $100,000 without consideration of fines).
My guess is that they are paying the higher rate but on a much lower assessed value than their worth (which isn't so uncommon. Assessments are rarely equal to true market value).
While we are on the topic of abandon properties in the Shaw area, anyone know what is up with the Armstrong Education Center on P street in between 1st and 3rd streets? Last I heard, a charter school owned it and was suppose to be renovating it.
Ray you are delightfully eccentric :) never crazy!
Shiloh is b.s.'ing they just want the value to go so high that they can't refuse. They be playin' everybody.
If you know the square and lot or the addresses, you can pull the latest assessment off the OTR site at:
www.taxpayerservicecenter.com/RP_Search.jsp?search_type=Assessment
There's actually a lot of good info at this site.
The church lacks parking. Vacant/condemned property does not increase parking demand. Developed property, whether it be retail or residental, increases the demand for parking.
Shiloh wants more parking so they have no interest in losing parking by developing their condemned property.
Until Shiloh can figure out how to create a parking lot/garage from property classified as "historic" then those properties will remain condemned, in my oversimplified estimation.
Shiloh will lose this one. They represent the past and there are some smart, greedy types behind the scenes.
The churches cry poor at each and every step while their leaders drive Rolls Royces and Caddies to services each and every Sunday. Long ago they (Shiloh, UHOP etc.) held alot of sway as their parishoners LIVED in Shaw...now they all live in the suburbs.
It is too bad Jack Evans still does not realize this...his closest "ally" in Shaw is a race-baiting egomaniac that if you are not with him 100 percent...you are his enemy. For those of you who are not familiar with Leroy...go take a look at LeroyThorpe.com.
Ideally, yes. But Richard Layman has documented instances where churches do get rid of historic buildings for parking. Either they let the building rot so much that it's unsalvagable or they just tear it down and the city looks the other way.
Check out this post for an example (it's below Mariah):
urbanplacesandspaces.blogspot.com/2006/07/democracy-is-more-than-voting-or-vote.html
Your first mistake is listening to anything Richard Layman has to say.
Well we are not up to 60 responses yet. Thought you could get a real hot button issue here. I guess you have the clash of two spiritual dynamics. That of the Post Imperial/Colonial Cosmopolitanism of European Society by which I mean the emergence of "lifestyle as passion" of a wealthy post WWII society. Which of course to communicate with people who speak in such terms is primarily "white" but assimilates and integrates many cultural influences- contrast that with a somewhat entrenched localized African-American (black) peasant "religious-ism."One is shabby but "salt of the earth." The other is new, clean, college educated, smartly aesthetic and secularly (a)moral ie: they don't mind anal sex but they respect private property.
Hope that can generate at least 05 more posts ;)
I don't know if it is bad form to respond again but let me add that Shiloh met with Jack and the community 20 years ago, promising to tear down their properties and build a parking garage. They tore down a beautiful townhouse behind the church when they built the extension to the sanctuary -- the historic preservation people were mum. You don't pay taxes on a church parking lot -- you do with vacant buildings. Expect to see the wrecking ball any day now. We can only pray they don't tear down Mark's Electric. They are good souls who have been here forever and will not sell out to the church.
According to regulations, if the properties are too far gone and have to be razed, Shiloh would be obligated to rebuild them. In reality I have yet to see this happen though if you all are involved and vocal every step of the way, the law might actually get enforced.
Add all of the other posts on le slum & you got 60 easy.
more from Examiner:
http://www.examiner.com/a-735544~Fenty__Redevelop_Shiloh_properties_in_Shaw.html
I don't know if it is bad form to respond again
Har! Search for "hillman smoking" on DCist and see if you still worry about that.
I have mixed feelings. I live in the neighborhood too. As for saying all the congregation is from MD. Well maybe more of them would live in DC if the city hadn't let the neighborhood become uninhabitable for many years. Forgive them for leaving their community to find a safer place to raise their family. So now that more affluent and maybe white people are coming they want to start developing. I'd be really upset if my spending dollars were overlooked for so many years.
As a neighborhood resident, I do want to see development in my area. If Shiloh really wanted to do something, I think they could hook up with a program like Manna, NACA or ACORN and designate the homes be built for low income residents. Keeping "others" out isn't the same as trying to find ways to keep current residents in the neighborhood.
Oh, Hillrat, I blush at all the attention you give me. Makes me feel like my time on earth has been for something.
Shiloh has shown itself to be a stunningly bad neighbor. They are racist, they preach hate to gays, and they let properties degenerate into conditions that endanger the safety residents.
The only way they've gotten away with it for decades is to cloak themselves in religion.
But they are useful for one thing - pointing out the double standard in DC. If a church in DC had been inciting hate toward blacks like Shiloh has toward whites they would have been condemned loudly by every politician around. DC's elected officials have been stunningly silent in response to Shiloh's hate of gays and whites.
In these kinds of conversations I always like to protest the use of archaic simplifications like "black people/white people" but we live in a culture where these conventions are inevitable. For the sake of discussion, isn't the critique here that the "black folks" proper , that are represented by the Shiloh types, don't have the imagination and psychology of "the contemporary educated white urbanists" and they resent that? It's not like it's a question of putting a "black" Starbucks vs a "white" one. It's a question of Urban progress vs stagnation and decay. The Shiloh types KNOW this and so do all of the "black" poor being displaced by those people capable of making something out of public spaces..some of whom are black eg: Busboys and Poets.
Maybe I'm way off base here, but isn't there a shit ton of low income housing in the area already? Shouldn't this property be developed into housing that will attract money, or first time home buyers to the community? Wouldn't these kinds of people be more likely to get involved in improving the neighborhood and investing in growth? And for the record I don't care if they are black, white, hispanic or asian, as long as they want to make this a better place to live.
"Well maybe more of them would live in DC if the city hadn't let the neighborhood become uninhabitable for many years."
Oh my, my response to this quip won't be very popular.
Look, lots of areas of this city declined to varying degrees during and after the riots, and up through, I'd say, the Control Board era. But some areas declined more than others. G'Town? Not so much. Kalorama? Ditto. Capital Hill proper (not the new "expanded" Capital Hill)? Pretty stable. The Gold Coast? There's a reason that name still is recognized.
The areas that declined the most were the ones that had been largely abandoned by their people, for whatever reason. Shaw ranks high among these. So did Dupont, so did U Street, so did lots of other neighborhoods.
My question to you is: How can "the city" possibly keep neighborhoods safe if the very people that the government represents lose faith in their own neighborhoods, and abandon them? And I do recognize that the then-ascendant mythic allure of suburban living had as much to do with it as the then ascendant loss of faith in city living, but the point is that these places were de-facto no-man's land for very, very, many years. That's what allowed so many marginalized (both culturally and in terms of resources) to move in and create the communities we see, or see the remains of, today.
It's a myth to say the the city is at fault. The city is us.
I don't like the apologists argument for the condition of Shaw that says it's "The City's Fault." The fault is in the lack of imagination, wherewithal, ability and a critical mass of anti-socials in the current Shaw residents themselves. You see young kids with VISION moving into H Street, Columbia Heights,etc running art galleries, coffee shops on a SHOESTRING. They also welcome people of all ethnic backgrounds. How many nice civic touches can the disgruntled gentrification resisters list?
On February 28, 2007, I was released from Norfolk City Jail after serving seventeen months on misdemeanor charges.
While I was incarcerated, I was tortured, and many of my relatives were abducted and brought to the facilities where I was housed during this incarceration and they were beatened, raped, tortured and some even burned alive.
Please pray for us as we are enduring much oppression and injustice in the communities.
Mark this date on your calendar to come and celebrate with Dr. McBath what the LORD has done for us.
On February 28, 2007, I was released from Norfolk City Jail, after having been incarcerated for seventeen months on false charges.
While I was incarcerated I was tortured with electrical devices; my food was poisoned; the water that I drank was contaminated; the air that I breathed in my cell was contaminated; I was given medication to harm me instead of helping me.
Dr. McBath can be reached at 757-321-9700. Call to link up via simulcast to be a part of this revival.
My children and grandchild was brought to jail where I was incarcerated; and they were brutally raped by men who were infected with the HIV/AIDS VIRUS; they were tortured with electrical devices, some of their throats were slashed with knives and razors, and some of my relatives were even burned alive.
Please come and celebrate life with Dr. McBath while he conducts this Revival of Praise Across Americaand the World giving thanks to God our Father and Jehovah Mighty in Battle.
Survivor: Religious Persecution
She survived after facing terrorism for her belief in Christ. Many of her relatives died by way of electrical shocks, beatings, having been raped by men who had the HIV/AIDS VIRUS, and some were even burned ALIVE.
Survivor: Religious Persecution
She survived after facing terrorism for her belief in Christ. Many of her relatives died by way of electrical shocks, beatings, having been raped by men who had the HIV/AIDS VIRUS, and some were even burned ALIVE.
Global Event
Let Everthing That Has Breath Praise the LORD
Join
The Honorable Bishop Dr. B. Courtney McBath
Senior Founding Pastor and overseer of
Calvary Revival Church
Norfolk, Virginia USA
AND
Presiding Bishop
of
Calvary Alliance of Churches and Ministries
At
Old Dominion University
Ted Constant Convocation Center
4320 Hampton Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23529 USA
(757) 683-5000
On
September 30, 2007 - October 7, 2007
12 noon - 1 p.m. - Revival of Praise Hour
6 p. m. - Prayer
7 p.m. - Revival of Praise Across America and the World
Pray for the Peace of Israel
Isn't this the same church that opposed Bebar predicting the demise of the neighborhood if it was allowed a liquor license?
Seems as though these non D.C. residents are creating more of a blight on their own.