This was originally posted to the Adams Morgan Listserv on April 16, 2019, as message #50914, groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/AdamsMorgan/conversations/messages/50914
The controversy around #DontMuteDC is a perfect opportunity to better understand DC Politics (Politricks), gentrification, the budget process, planning, fiance economic development and institutional/individual racism. DC’s current and future economy evolved almost entirely around muting Go Go. So it is almost laughable to see the cheerleaders of this economy twitting #DontMuteDC.
The Mayor just submitted her 2020 budget to the City Council called B23-0209 – Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Support Act of 2019 <lims.dccouncil.us/Download/42120/B23-0209-Introduction.pdf>. When the Mayor twitted “I’m with you #DontMuteDC” one of the first things I did was look in here 2020 budget to see if it was consistent with #DontMuteDC.
At first glance, two sections seemed relevant, Subtitle J. Cultural Facilities Fund and Subtitle K. Cultural Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fund (pdf pages 19 & 20 respectively). Theses sections potentially provide the funding to rebuild the Go-Go ecosystem being destroyed via the rest of the budget.
As we know, T-Modile did not mute Go-Go, just a very small aspect an echo of Go-Go. Go-Go was muted long ago on U St. when its ecosystem was destroyed via government action to facilitate gentrification. Historically, gentrification did not mute Go-Go, Go-Go’s cultural and economic ecosystem was muted to make way for gentrification. Rewriting history with this flip is an old political and cultural tricknology, we should not be fooled.
Speaking of history, the story of how the Shay a former WMATA (Metro) Property <www.wmata.com/about/board/meetings/board-pdfs/upload/101112_ResolutionsReport.pdf> came to be should be required reading. The T-Mobile corner and The Shay were developed in the context of the Duke Plan <planning.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/op/publication/attachments/final_uptown_report.pdf_0.pdf>, whose implementation is a key element of the city’s Comprehensive Plan <planning.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/op/publication/attachments/District%20Elements_Volume%20II_Chapter%2020_April%208%202011.pdf> which is being amended at this moment. A plan which will help determine whether Go-Go is to permanently muted or not. The muting of Go-Go has a lot to do with how our city is being planned and financed, this became obvious during the protest Go-Go concert. For a lack of adequate public space and ecosystem at 7th & U the protest had to be held outside of Duke Plan area at 14th & U at the Reeves Center, where there was available public space for the expression of Go-Go culture. We as the Duke Plan called for such an infrastructure and ecosystem/ Which raises another interesting issue and opportunity.
The Mayor just announced that the Reeves Center and it’s adjoining and incorporated public spaces are about to go through a Re-Imagining Reeves Study and process <dmped.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dmped/page_content/attachments/Re-Imagining%20Reeves%20Study%20-%20one%20pager.pdf>. Will this process mute Go-Go or take on the challenge issued by the city’s Culture Plan <app.box.com/s/nz05c2gpc51bxofgdh4vjadp4q3tooyd> as it relates to Go-Go and include a space for Go-Go and other forms of culture expression.
The stakeholders delved into specifics regarding how to strengthen community partnerships, noting that the key is to meet creators where they are. In a lot of cases, this means in public space such as streets and parks. “Go go is rooted in DC, it was created as an outdoor space.” Others suggested legitimizing cultural practices that already occur and often occur in public spaces.
Participants identified music as a key part of the city’s culture, and one participant recommended “go-go incubator space
Culture Plan <app.box.com/s/nz05c2gpc51bxofgdh4vjadp4q3tooyd>
Is it the responsibility to T-Mobile to build or to have built a space for Go-Go, as well to continue to incubate it as a unique part of our culture? While Mayor Bower, CMs Nadeau, McDuffie, and R White who found time to Tweet #DontMuteDC are their legislative record’s consistent with #DontMuteDC when it comes to a space for Go-Go on U St.. Or are they just relying on scapegoating some resident in The Shay as enough. It should be noted Mayor Bowser was on WMATA’s board when the Shay was approved <www.wmata.com/about/board/meetings/board-pdfs/upload/072111_JDRECFloridaAvenue.pdf> ..
If we wanted an ecosystem which did not want to mute DC Go-Go specifically on U St., which organizations would be helping us to make this happen? So Shaw Main Street <www.shawmainstreets.org/site/assets/docs/SMS%202018%20Annual%20report.pdf> came to mind, they are City funded. I searched their 2018 Annual Report <www.shawmainstreets.org/site/assets/docs/SMS%202018%20Annual%20report.pdf>, but not one mention of Go-Go or the Duke Plan for that matter. If not them, maybe government funded Lower Georgia Avenue Main Streets <www.districtbridges.org/lower-georgia-avenue-main-street/>? No, found no mention of Go-Go. Then I remembered, the proposed MidCity BID <www.bisnow.com/washington-dc/news/economic-development/bid-boom-at-least-5-new-groups-in-the-works-across-dc-87421> which the builder of the Shay, JBG, was part of the exploratory committee and received a City grant <mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-announces-winners-great-streets-grants>. I searched Mid-City’s proposed Business Plan <midcitybid.org/uploads/MidCityBusinessPlan_FinalOct2017_web.pdf>, to my surprise no mention of Go-Go or the matter the Duke Plan. Three city funded entities/plans for U St and adjoining areas, but no mention of Go-Go. This to me amounts to defacto muting.
However, did see that CM’s Bonds, Evans, Mendelson and Cheh via Bill B23-0030 – Amplified Noise Amendment Act of 2019 <lims.dccouncil.us/Download/41620/B23-0030-Introduction.pdf> are determined to mute Go-Go and everything else in areas designated and developed as Mixed Use like Ust.. Unless its a project Ted Leonsis owner of Caps and Wizards and to be primarily beneficiary via jumbo digital displaces and of course sports betting.
Atty. Jon S. Bouker <www.arentfox.com/attorneys/jon-bouker> on of CM Evan’s business partners <www.washingtonpost.com/jack-evans-2018-pitch-to-nelson-mullins/3562ecbc-73ec-4ea5-8819-6d5439330175_note.html?questionId=cad8e3b6-5dc7-46fd-b28d-a849857449c1&utm_term=.939a11679314> with the support of many Councils and many Mayors have provided over a billion in land and other subsidies in the so-called redevelopment of this city. How much has been spent in these projects and futures ones to ensure Go-Go is NOT muted? How much has or will be spent which will effectively mute Go-Go on U St. and other communities? Events DC will soon announce the opening of an Apple Store on public land <appleinsider.com/articles/19/03/04/dc-carnegie-librarys-transformation-into-apple-store-will-complete-in-april> will it host the sound of Go-Go?
Is it #DontMuteDC or #NoMorePolitricks
William
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Twitter – #DontMuteDC
Brianne K. Nadeau
Apr 8
#DontMuteDC I’m in touch with @TMobile to inform them of the important history of this corner. See my letter to them:
Kenyan McDuffie
Apr 9
In DC, residents have been displaced; businesses, churches, public schools have closed. Institutions that have traditionally sustained black communities/culture are disappearing
The corner of 7th & GA Ave epitomizes black culture. Respect the culture. #DontMuteDC #RacialEquityDC
Muriel Bowser
Apr 9
I’m with you #DontMuteDC
Sign the petition: www.change.org/p/ronald-moten-don-t-mute-dc-s-go-go-music-and-culture …
Celebrate DC & Go-Go on Emancipation Day this Saturday: emancipation.dc.gov/page/concert-line-2019 …
Robert C. White, Jr.
Apr 11
Remember to tune into @greatdaywash this morning at 9 AM. I’ll be with @super_markette and @RonaldMoten discussing the #DontMuteDC campaign.
B23-0030 – Amplified Noise Amendment Act of 2019
Introduced by Councilmembers Evans, Cheh, and Bonds at Legislative Meeting View
BILL SUMMARY – As introduced it regulates noise in public spaces generated from amplifying sound devices by implementing a plainly audible standard and enforcement standards. It also establishes that repeat offenders given a one time warning by law enforcement are subject to a fine not to exceed $300 or imprisonment not to exceed 10 days, or both.
lims.dccouncil.us/Download/41620/B23-0030-Introduction.pdf
B22-0839 – Amplified Noise Amendment Act of 2018
Introduced by Councilmembers Bonds, Evans, and Cheh at Legislative Meeting
lims.dccouncil.us/Download/40359/B22-0839-Introduction.pdf
Video of Public Hearing on B22-839 – 7/2/18
dc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=4604
After Uproar From Musicians, D.C. Council Revisits Its Quest To Limit Noise In The City
dcist.com/story/19/01/14/after-uproar-from-musicians-d-c-council-revisits-its-quest-to-limit-noise-in-the-city/
Go-go music returns to Shaw’s Metro PCS store after #DontMuteDC protests
www.washingtonpost.com/video/local/go-go-music-returns-to-shaws-metro-pcs-store-after-dontmutedc-protests/2019/04/10/be16e466-2fd4-4d45-b5b1-b23c7b34dac0_video.html?utm_term=.42c12dd8f295
Go-Go Music Is Back At Shaw’s Metro PCS Store
dcist.com/story/19/04/10/go-go-music-is-back-at-shaws-metro-pcs-store/
Re-Imagining Reeves Study
dmped.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dmped/page_content/attachments/Re-Imagining%20Reeves%20Study%20-%20one%20pager.pdf
DC Cultural Plan
app.box.com/s/nz05c2gpc51bxofgdh4vjadp4q3tooyd
The stakeholders delved into specifics regarding how to strengthen community partnerships, noting that the key is to meet creators where they are. In a lot of cases, this means in public space such as streets and parks. “Go go is rooted in DC, it was created as an outdoor space.” Others suggested legitimizing cultural practices that already occur and often occur in public spaces.
Participants identified music as a key part of the city’s culture, and one participant recommended “go-go incubator space
The Duke Plan
planning.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/op/publication/attachments/final_uptown_report.pdf_0.pdf
Chapter 20 – Mid-City Area Element
In 2004, the District completed a Strategic Development Plan for the Uptown Destination District (called “DUKE”), focusing on the area along U Street between 6th Street and 13th Street and along 7th Street/Georgia Avenue between Rhode Island Avenue and Barry Place. The Plan proposes revival of these blocks as a cultural destination, anchored by a restored Howard Theater, new retail and entertainment uses along 7th and U Streets, outdoor performance space, and up to 800 new housing units on vacant and/or underutilized sites. Office and hotel uses also are discussed as possible uses, capitalizing on the proximity to Howard University. 2013.3
planning.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/op/publication/attachments/District%20Elements_Volume%20II_Chapter%2020_April%208%202011.pdf
Caps winning, new practice facility has Ted Leonsis thinking bigger for Wizards: ‘No excuses’
www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/caps-winning-new-practice-facility-has-ted-leonsis-thinking-bigger-wizards-no-excuses
Monumental Sports Randall Boe, Executive Vice President and General Counsel
www.washingtonpost.com/jack-evans-2018-pitch-to-nelson-mullins/3562ecbc-73ec-4ea5-8819-6d5439330175_note.html?questionId=cad8e3b6-5dc7-46fd-b28d-a849857449c1&utm_term=.939a11679314
eventsdc.com/Venues/Entertainment-and-Sports-Arena.aspx
esaontherise.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2018.05.04-edc-esa-r8-v1-all-e-p-r.pdf
SPECIAL INVESTIGATION OF THE CONDUCT OF WMATA ANDITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN THE AGENCY’S HANDLING OF THE FLORIDA AVENUE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION
www.wmata.com/about/board/meetings/board-pdfs/upload/101112_ResolutionsReport.pdf
Budget Support Act of 2019 for 2020
lims.dccouncil.us/Download/42120/B23-0209-Introduction.pdf