DISTRICT BRIEFING

Thursday, May 24, 2007

EMERGENCY SURCHARGE

Taxi Drivers Are Allowed to Pass the Buck

The D.C. Taxicab Commission imposed a $1-a-ride fuel surcharge starting yesterday, raising the price of travel in one zone from $6.50 to $7.50. A trip passing through all eight zones will now cost $19.90.

The commission said the extra charge will remain in effect until Sept. 19, and is needed because of rising gasoline prices. Commissioners approved the emergency action this month.

"Prices have skyrocketed, drivers need help, and the commission has no choice but to provide it in this way," said Interim Chairwoman Doreen E. Thompson.

-- Yolanda Woodlee

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

HUD Delays Foreclosure at Sayles Place

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has postponed the foreclosure sale of Sayles Place Homes in Southeast for three weeks.

The sale of the 61-unit cooperative was scheduled for yesterday. But HUD officials notified residents that the action would be pushed back to June 15. Residents, with the support of city officials, are seeking to pay off their outstanding mortgage and take over the building. The foreclosure sale was scheduled after the building narrowly failed maintenance inspections.

Michael Diamond, an attorney representing the residents, said HUD has given no reason for rescheduling the sale. In the meantime, he said the residents would continue to try to convince HUD that it should cancel the foreclosure and turn the property over to residents.

-- Paul Schwartzman

ROSENBAUM AFTERMATH

Emergency Workers' Firing Blocked

The District government and the firefighters union have agreed to ask an arbitrator to decide whether the city's fire chief has the authority to issue stronger sanctions against two firefighters involved in the case of David E. Rosenbaum, the retired New York Times reporter who was killed last year.

Until the arbitrator makes a final decision, a court order will block the dismissal of Frelimo D. Simba as well as an increased suspension for another firefighter, Michael A. Roy. Union attorneys have argued that Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin violated city law by going beyond the disciplinary recommendations made by an administrative trial board.

The firefighters were among those disciplined after an investigation into the death of Rosenbaum, 63, who was attacked in January 2006 near his home in Northwest. Emergency workers initially treated him as a drunk, not recognizing that he was the victim of a crime.

-- Elissa Silverman

EASTERN MARKET

Wire, Power Surge Blamed for Blaze

Last month's fire at the historic Eastern Market has been tied to a faulty wire leading to a refrigeration unit, D.C. Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin said yesterday.

A frayed or broken wire caught fire after a power surge, Rubin said. The flames spread throughout the building early April 30. Officials have said it will cost up to $30 million to rebuild the landmark near Capitol Hill, so that displaced food vendors and flower stands can return.

-- Allison Klein