These are some facts and personal views of Geovani Bonilla as a resident.
The Community Academy of Public Charter Schools built a 144 parking lot. Why do neighbors care?
The parking lot was built without construction permits
- The parking lot was built by covering thousands of square feet of land that impact water run off in the neighborhood
- The water run off that the illegally built structure will create will increase the likelihood of flooding in an area that is already designated by FEMA and DC Office of The Environment as a Flood Zone
- The number of parking spaces built exceed the number of parking spaces required to accommodate SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
- The parking lot was built to accommodate parking for Metropolitan Church congregation (the church has been renting the school auditorium since 2009 and causing parking and traffic chaos in our neighborhood). Majority of the vehicles attending services at Metropolitan are from Maryland and not local neighbors.
- Mr. Amos, a seasoned business man highly connected with DC politicians and very knowledgeable of building regulations purposely operated above the law knowing the neighbors may oppose all or parts of this project
- Mr. Amos is confident that his political connections would allow him to secure permits retroactively while avoiding having to do the environmental studies required to built the parking lot
This is why neighbors that have worked hard and invested tens of thousands of dollars improving their homes fear the environmental impact and flooding this structure may create. The risk of basement floods along P Street is now increased and thousands of square feet of permeable space have been eliminated.
Had any person living in our community besides Mr. Amos initiated an illegal construction project, DCRA and other government agencies would have issued stop work orders and ordered demolition of the construction until all permits were secured. Why is CAPCS allowed to operate above the law and the community being asked to “move on”?
Bates Area Civic Association 
9/3/2013
@11:41AM
9/1/2013
@11:44AM
The Flood of [2001] 1st & P Streets, NW.
Let’s not forget the heavy rains and flood in October, 2001. In less than an hour the entire 100 block of P Street, NW to include 1st & P Streets, NW flooded. Many homes within the immediate vacinity experienced flooding either to their basements or crawl spaces. The water level was very high resulting in MPD and the Fire Department rescue. Simultaneously thereto the Red Cross set up a temporary shelter to assist residents.
I recall my crawlspace flooding and water level almost to the main front door entrance. Of course I had to absorb clean up costs and necessary repairs as my then homeowners insurance did not cover flood damage. What would happen should a similar situation occur and who would be responsible for repairs/payment?