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B 26-0216

Closing of the former Frederick Douglas Memorial Bridge Right of Way on Lot 817 in Square 708, S.O. 23-05325, Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

Closes the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge right-of-way on Lot 817, Square 708, authorizing conveyance and redevelopment by the District and reducing public access.

Law L26-0067, Effective from Dec 31, 2025 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 000600
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Bill Summary · B 26-0216

Summary — B26-0216

Title: Closing of the former Frederick Douglas Memorial Bridge Right of Way on Lot 817 in Square 708, S.O. 23-05325, Act of 2025
Sponsor: Chairman Phil Mendelson
Status: Enacted as Act A26-0184; published in the D.C. Register, Vol. 72, p. 012854 (Nov 21, 2025)

Purpose / Intent

The bill authorizes the formal closing of a public right-of-way associated with the former Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge located on Lot 817 in Square 708 (reference S.O. 23-05325). In plain terms, it removes the public roadway/right-of-way designation for that specific parcel so the District can proceed with the next steps (for example, disposition, redevelopment, or other uses) consistent with District law and any applicable planning controls.

Key provisions (based on title and procedural record)

  • Declares the right-of-way that formerly served the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge on Lot 817, Square 708 closed to public use.
  • Implements the closure pursuant to the official street/office order referenced as S.O. 23-05325.
  • Enables subsequent administrative actions that typically follow a ROW closure (e.g., conveyance, redevelopment, removal from public street inventory) subject to applicable District procedures and approvals.

Note: The official bill text and committee materials would contain precise legal language, conditions, and any reservations, easements, or required mitigation. Those documents should be consulted for detail on conveyance authority, restrictions, and any required findings.

Who is affected

  • Adjacent property owners and developers near Square 708 (present or prospective) — the change may enable redevelopment or transfer of the parcel.
  • District agencies (e.g., DDOT, DMPED) responsible for transportation, land disposition, and long‑range planning.
  • The general public — removal of a public right-of-way reduces public access along that alignment, though the bridge is described as “former,” suggesting the ROW is no longer functioning as an active roadway.

Legislative and procedural timeline

  • Introduced: March 28, 2025 (by Chair Mendelson)
  • Referred to Committee of the Whole: April 1, 2025
  • Notice of Intent/Notice of Public Hearing published: April 4 and June 13, 2025
  • Public hearing: July 3, 2025 (hearing record available)
  • Committee markup: October 7, 2025
  • Final Council reading: October 21, 2025
  • Transmitted to Mayor: October 28, 2025 (mayoral response due Nov 12, 2025)
  • Mayor signed/returned and enacted: November 10, 2025 (Act A26-0184)
  • Transmitted to Congress (per federal review of D.C. Acts): November 17, 2025
  • Published in D.C. Register: November 21, 2025 (Vol. 72, p. 012854)

Where to find more detail

To understand specific legal effects (e.g., easements retained, conveyance terms, uses authorized), consult:
- The bill/act text for A26-0184 (Council/Office of the Secretary records)
- Committee of the Whole report (filed Oct. 20, 2025) and the July 3, 2025 public hearing record
- D.C. Register publication: Vol. 72, p. 012854

If you would like, I can retrieve and summarize the act’s full text and any conditions or conveyance instructions contained therein.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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