The District Chronicles

Issue date: 12/14/08 Section: Neighborhood

The DC Council has passed Kwame Brown's bill renaming South Capitol Street at Nationals Ballpark. The "Taxation Without Representation Street Renaming Act of 2008" (B17-909) passed on first reading, which was authored by At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown.

The bill officially renames a portion of South Capitol Street directly adjacent to the Washington Nationals Ballpark. On December 1, the Committee of the Whole, led by Chairman Vincent C. Gray, held a hearing on the legislation to gather feedback from voting rights advocates and District residents.

Testimony was provided by advocates who fight everyday for voting rights. "Thousands of fans attending over 80 games at the Nationals Ballpark will be reminded of the District's lack of representation in Congress," said Councilmember Brown. "Just as importantly, baseball fans across the nation watching ESPN will learn about District's plight. This bill will literally put us on the road to full representation."

The ballpark can seat up to 41,888 fans, many of whom come from surrounding states and around the country. The location was chosen not only because of the baseball stadium but also because it is on a direct route to Congress. In fact, the Capitol can be viewed from the street at the ballpark. A map of the proposed street renaming can be found by visiting the following link: http://www.kwamebrownatlarge.com/Site/Taxation_Street.html. A final reading is needed before the legislation can become law. The bill was co-introduced by At-Large Councilmember Carol Schwartz, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. and Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells.

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