DC neighbors working to block central cell block near Convention Center

WASHINGTON — For days, D.C. residents who live near the Convention Center have dealt with blocked-off streets. Now, they're working to block a central cell block from expanding into their neighborhood.

The Department of General Services (DGS) filed a special exception zoning application on behalf of the Department of Corrections to allow the District to temporarily operate the central cell block out of 501 New York Avenue NW. 

It used to be a school as well as a traffic-related police facility, but a spokesperson for the DGS said they have also used it as a temporary holding location for arrestees over the last 30 years.

To them, it is a natural expansion as the city works to renovate the Daly Building (police headquarters)—where the current CCB is located.

DGS said that out of available inventory, this location meets zoning, public safety, and geographic criteria.

They said it is relatively close to the courthouse and has existing holding cells and a sally port.

If approved, it would serve as a holding facility for an arrestee before their initial court appearance, which is typically 12 to 24 hours.

DGS emphasizes that it is neither a permanent holding facility nor a jail.

Neighbors, though, consider it to be a jail — and don't want it in their backyard.

“We already have a significant amount of traffic because of where it is on New York Avenue," Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner 2G06, Rachelle Nigro said. "So if this is to become the central cell block, it is going to be an absolute traffic nightmare. There are noise concerns; there are safety concerns. So this is going to be significant for the area if it does come."

Nigro has also been frustrated by what she said is a lack of communication from the city about the plan.

“The big thing is that we were never going to be told about, and we were not supposed to find out about this," she said. "And this is impactful to all of the stakeholders around here. On my side of New York Avenue, I have a childcare center here. I have residents. We have new developments going up. For them to even consider doing this is completely insane.”

Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto said she has been talking to the Executive to make sure that this space truly is only temporary while renovations are made to police HQ.

Her team shared the following statement:

“I have made clear with the Executive that any space used in a swing capacity at 501 New York Ave NW as a temporary holding cell may only be used as a temporary site while the Daly Building undergoes much needed renovations. Through our discussions, the Executive agreed to important conditions to meet community and resident needs, including soundproofing at the temporary facility and a commitment that no releases of detained residents be made from the temporary facility. It is critical that this project move swiftly, which is why I helped to ensure that the renovations at the Daly Building are fully funded on an appropriate timeline to improve living conditions for detained residents and to facilitate the transition from the swing space back to the permanent facility as expeditiously as possible.”

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2G will host its monthly meeting Thursday night at 6:30 p.m., where this building will be a major point of discussion.

The Department of General Services confirms that they and the Department of Corrections will attend.

To join the zoom meeting, you can use https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/88548251962 or call 301-715-8592, using webinar ID: 885 4825 1962.