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B 26-0234

Henry E. Baker Alley Designation Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Brianne Nadeau

The Henry E. Baker Alley Designation Act names a D.C. alley after a Black historian, honoring his legacy while enabling local housing development and community support.

Law L26-0069, Effective from Dec 31, 2025 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 000602
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Bill Summary · B 26-0234

Summary of Bill B 26-0234: Henry E. Baker Alley Designation Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Henry E. Baker Alley Designation Act of 2025 aims to officially designate the public alley system in Square 2857, located in Ward 1 of Washington, D.C., as Henry E. Baker Alley. This designation honors Henry Edwin Baker, a pioneering African American civil servant and historian known for documenting the contributions of Black inventors.

Key Provisions

  • Official Designation: The bill designates the public alley system bounded by Harvard Street NW, Sherman Avenue NW, Girard Street NW, and 11th Street NW as Henry E. Baker Alley.
  • Legal Framework: The designation follows the procedures outlined in the Street and Alley Closing and Acquisition Procedures Act of 1982.
  • Fiscal Impact: The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement from the committee report, indicating that the designation will not impose significant costs on the District.
  • Effective Date: The act will take effect following approval by the Mayor, a potential override of a veto, and a 30-day congressional review period.

Background on Henry E. Baker

Henry E. Baker (c. 1857–1928) was a notable figure in American history, recognized for his efforts to document over 1,200 Black inventors during a time of significant racial discrimination. His work challenged prevailing stereotypes about African Americans and contributed to the recognition of their innovations.

Impact

  • Community Development: The designation is crucial for a development proposal involving Lot 813 in Square 2857, which requires an official address to proceed with building permits. The alley naming will facilitate the development of residential housing.
  • Support from Local Community: The proposal has received unanimous support from the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1A and a petition signed by a majority of abutting residents, indicating strong community backing for the designation.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: April 29, 2025
  • Public Hearing: July 3, 2025
  • Committee Mark-up: September 17, 2025
  • Final Reading: October 21, 2025
  • Signed by Mayor: November 10, 2025
  • Returned from Mayor: November 10, 2025

Conclusion

The Henry E. Baker Alley Designation Act of 2025 serves both to honor a significant historical figure and to facilitate local development, reflecting the community's commitment to recognizing its heritage while promoting growth. The act's successful passage underscores the importance of community engagement in local governance.

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

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