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John A. Wilson Building Exclusive Utilization Act of 1999
Bill 13-155

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Councilmember Vincent Orange

A BILL IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

This bill was introduced by Councilmember Vincent Orange and referred to the Committee of the Whole.

To amend Section 9-130 of the D.C. Code to prohibit the use, occupation, or disposition of the John A. Wilson Building by persons, governments, or other entities, other than the Government of the District of Columbia.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this act may be cited as the "John A. Wilson Building Exclusive Utilization Act of 1999."

Sec. 2. Findings.

(a) The Council of the District of Columbia finds that:

(1) In entering into a lease with the U.S. General Services Administration, the John Hancock Companies, and Washington Development Group, the total number of square footage that would be reserved for the Council of the District of Columbia and other District agencies was misrepresented and altered without the knowledge and consent of the Council;

(2) In executing said lease, key portions of the agreement were absent from the document in its entirety, and therefore may have contributed to portions of the Wilson Building being included in the lease for the GSA;

(3) In order to reverse the events of the last 5 years, the Council finds it necessary to seek legal relief from the terms of the lease and to sever its relationship with the developer, Washington Development Group, and its officers;

(4) All of the events in this transaction notwithstanding, the Council recognizes the historical and political significance of preserving, protecting, and properly utilizing the John Wilson Building to advance the mission of the Government of the District of Columbia, and as such shall reserve its use exclusively for the Government of the District of Columbia;

(5) Pursuant to the provisions of the Home Rule Act, it is the Council's prerogative to reclaim the John Wilson Building for its exclusive use, and for exclusive use by any official agency, body, office, or official of the Government of the District of Columbia.

Sec. 3. Section 9-130 of the D.C. Code (June 29, 1937, 50 Stat. 377, ch. 403, §1) is amended as follows:

(a) Add a new subchapter to read as follows:

"(1) The Mayor shall prohibit any governmental agency, entity, or organization, other than those subject to the laws and regulations of the Government of the District of Columbia, from using, occupying, leasing, or otherwise enjoying the benefits of the use of the John A. Wilson Building.".

Sec. 4. Applicability.

(a) This subchapter shall apply retroactively to January 1, 1999.

Sec. 5. Fiscal impact statement

The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal impact statement required by section 602(c)(3) of the Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1974 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Code §1-233(c)(3)).

Sec. 4. Effective date.

This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), approval by the Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority as provided in section 203(a) of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995, approved April 17, 1995(109 Stat. 116; D.C. Code Sec. 47-392.3(a)), a 30-day period of Congressional review as provided in section 602(c)(1) of the Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1973(87 Stat. 813; D.C. Code §1-233(c)), and publication in the District of Columbia Register.

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