Occupy DC? In Anacostia, Public Alley Becomes Private Park

View from Honfleur Gallery's back door

Just when I think I have seen it all. From the pictures this may look like someone's neglected (but creatively furnished) backyard but in actuality this is a public alley in the heart of the Anacostia Business District. Located behind the 1200 block of Good Hope Rd SE, this stretches from behind Honfleur Gallery down to the ACE Check Cashing Place on the corner of Good Hope Rd SE & 13th Street SE. There is an entire story behind this conversion (not an Occupy DC statement) that goes back over seven years. The story is so convoluted that I am not sure I can do it justice here on the blog so I am going to save that for another time (or a professional reporter).

Out of sight out of mind?

The highlights:

As I understand it, the "caretaker" (a former Ward 7 ANC Commissioner) is not homeless, but it does appear this may be some type of hoarding situation. She has been collecting items in the alley for the past seven years and has declared she "owns" the alley. Items can not be moved (or removed) without her permission.

To be honest I am a little conflicted. While I can appreciate the effort (and hutzpah) in transforming a boring public alley into it's current state (which I am not sure how to describe but it is certainly interesting); the fact remains this is a public alley that has not only become private but is now completely impassible. If (heaven forbid) there was a fire in the buildings that back up to the alley (which includes an art gallery, a training center, and several businesses) it would be nearly impossible to exit from the rear of the buildings quickly. It would also be impossible for a fire truck to access the buildings from the alley, the items themselves are a fire hazard.

Access to 13th St SE (behind truck) is completely blocked

So what has been the response from the city? I spoke to some of the building owners and tenants and they say that they have appealed to the city many times for assistance over the years (both to clean the alley and to assist the women responsible for the hoard) but not much has happened. Representatives from various DC agencies have come out to inspect the alley and have issued citations -- to the buildings. I'm still unclear as to why this has gone on for seven years without being resolved. Were Anacostia's other issues more pressing so that this one fell through the cracks? Is there a loophole in the city's regulations that allow for a conversion of city property? Are city agencies unclear on how to coordinate to clear the alley once and for all?

Either way, makes for some interesting pictures and an even more interesting story. If any city agencies happen to be reading this I would love to have their input.