Froom legal team member Cynthia Pols: Dear Plaza Supporters, We have an important update on the status of our litigation regarding preserving the AdamsMorgan Plaza that we see as a very positive development. We have learned that Truist has given the entire Plaza lot to Jubilee Housing, which is an Adams Morgan nonprofit that provides … Continue reading Legal Update for October 2023
Updates for September 2023
The case against Truist continues with a new attorney for the Plaza supporters, Amanda Fox-Perry of Fay Law Group. She is a former ANC commissioner in Adams Morgan, and a long supporter of this effort. We also had the judge who the Court of Appeals said in their December 2022 ruling, Hiram Puig-Lugo, was erroneous … Continue reading Updates for September 2023
Letter Formally Asks Truist Bank to Liberate Long-taken Belongings of Unhoused Plaza Residents
The SaveOurPlaza campaign was delivered evidence that belongings stolen from unhoused Plaza residents (in March 2022) were still on site at the now vacant Suntrust bank. This February, Plaza supporters and friends of abused Plaza residents wrote a letter to bank attorneys asking for access to identify and reacquire their stolen belongings. See below. letter-to-troutman-to-get-access-suntrustDownload
Truist Delays Trial Again, Petitions Court of Appeals to Reverse its Plaza Judgment
On January 5, 2023, attorneys for Truist/Suntrust Bank filed an appeal of the recent DC Court of Appeals decision favoring the Plaza campaign. This move further delays a trial at DC Superior Court (originally set to happen in 2018) where a jury of local DC residents would likely make permanent the public easement at this … Continue reading Truist Delays Trial Again, Petitions Court of Appeals to Reverse its Plaza Judgment
Plaza Counsel asks Truist Bank to Remove the “Unsightly Barriers” Blocking Public Access to the Plaza
Paul Zukerberg, Esquire, sent a letter asking counsel for Truist Bank to ask her client remove the fences blocking our plaza. Truist is suggesting they are going to appeal the recent ruling en banc. plaza-letterDownload
Congratulations! The Appeal is Victorious
Just before the holiday break, the DC Court of Appeals sided with Plaza supporters and now our case goes back to DC Superior Court for a trial. See the written decision here. Finally, a jury of our peers may formalize the easement that has existed and been used openly by the public at the plaza … Continue reading Congratulations! The Appeal is Victorious
Recent WaPo Op-Eds Tell the Real Story of the Plaza and Unhoused Adams Morgan Residents
Recently, two opinion pieces ran in both the print and online editions of the Washington Post. The first (by Vikram Chiruvolu and Kristin Adair) re-examines the history of the plaza, the economic violence connected to Miguel's death, and why the city ought to step up to end the controversy and buy the plaza to protect … Continue reading Recent WaPo Op-Eds Tell the Real Story of the Plaza and Unhoused Adams Morgan Residents
Community Outcry Over Destruction of Memorial to Miguel Gonzales at Adams Morgan Plaza
Between Wednesday, May 4, and Thursday, May 5, 2022, a memorial to Miguel Gonzales at 1800 Columbia Rd NW, was removed by an unknown party. Photos stills by Kristin Adair On Saturday, April 30, 2022, community members constructed a memorial to Miguel Gonzales with photos, letters, a large framed photo, and narrative describing events leading … Continue reading Community Outcry Over Destruction of Memorial to Miguel Gonzales at Adams Morgan Plaza
Vigilers Honor Miguel Gonzales at the Adams Morgan Plaza and Demand “People Over Profit”; Ward One DC Council Candidates Salah Czapary and Sabel Harris In Attendance, Among Others
Adams Morgan, Ward One, Washington, DC -- On Saturday, April 30, nearly fifty people attended a two+ hour vigil dedicated to Miguel Gonzales who froze to death in late March in Adams Morgan at the corner 18th and Columbia Road NW. Mr. Gonzales' body was found curled up next to his defacto safe space, the … Continue reading Vigilers Honor Miguel Gonzales at the Adams Morgan Plaza and Demand “People Over Profit”; Ward One DC Council Candidates Salah Czapary and Sabel Harris In Attendance, Among Others
Rest in Power, Miguel
The hypothermia death of lifelong Adams Morgan resident Miguel Gonzales at Adams Morgan Plaza at 1800 Columbia Rd NW on March 29, eight days after Truist fenced it off, could have been avoided. Let us come together on Saturday, April 30, at Unity Park to remember him and discuss how to stop further corporate violence. … Continue reading Rest in Power, Miguel
“Free Our Plaza” Mural Painted on Suntrust Bank In Memory of Miguel Gonzalez (former resident of Adams Morgan plaza displaced by fences)
Freedom of Information Act Requests Filed with Councilmember Nadaeu and Adams Morgan ANC Commissioner Peter Wood Ward One, Washington, DC -- Adams Morgan Residents woke on Tuesday morning, April 5, 2022, to see the former Suntrust Bank building at their central community corner (18th and Columbia Road, NW) painted with a mural that reads: "FREE … Continue reading “Free Our Plaza” Mural Painted on Suntrust Bank In Memory of Miguel Gonzalez (former resident of Adams Morgan plaza displaced by fences)
Ward One Councilmember’s “Brianne on Your Block” Event Filled by Plaza Supporters and Neighbors
Washington, DC, Ward One, Adams Morgan, March 29, 2022 -- There was a strong showing of more than a dozen Adams Morgan Plaza neighbors and supporters attending the "Brianne on the Block" event this past Tuesday night at the local cafe Tryst. Residents had two points to discuss with the Ward One Councilmember: to advocate … Continue reading Ward One Councilmember’s “Brianne on Your Block” Event Filled by Plaza Supporters and Neighbors
Truist Bank Blocks Public Easement Plaza Behind Fences & Still Won’t Return Belongings to Unhoused Neighbors
In the middle of Sunday night March 20 --into-- Monday morning March 21, 2022, #TruistRacist put up fences around our Adams Morgan Plaza. In DCist's blog piece, Truist representatives admit that while they understand the Court case is pending, it is alleged "criminal activity" at the Plaza that serves as basis for fencing the open … Continue reading Truist Bank Blocks Public Easement Plaza Behind Fences & Still Won’t Return Belongings to Unhoused Neighbors
Adams Morgan Plaza Appeal Heard by DC’s Highest Court on St. Patrick’s Day 2022
Despite Pending Legal Decisions, Truist Bank and Monty Hoffman Seek to Fence Off Plaza Press Alert: Adams Morgan for Reasonable Development, admo4rd@gmail.com, (202) 656-1675 Ward One, Washington, DC -- On Saint Patrick’s day, an attorney for Truist (formerly SunTrust) argued before the DC Court of Appeals that there is no easement by public dedication in … Continue reading Adams Morgan Plaza Appeal Heard by DC’s Highest Court on St. Patrick’s Day 2022
Ward 1 Councilmember Nadeau Says: “There are quite a number of dynamics at play in this space, which was adopted by the public many years ago and has been treated as if it were a public space since that time.”
Tue, Mar 8, 2022 at 6:51 PMFrom: Nadeau, Brianne K. (Council) BNadeau@dccouncil.us To: Adams Morgan for Reasonable Development admo4rd@gmail.com, "Mansoor, Aamir (Council)" amansoor@dccouncil.us, "Meni, David (Council)" dmeni@dccouncil.us Good evening, Thank you for your message regarding the privately-owned plaza at the corner of 18th Street and Columbia Road, NW. To be sure, there are quite a … Continue reading Ward 1 Councilmember Nadeau Says: “There are quite a number of dynamics at play in this space, which was adopted by the public many years ago and has been treated as if it were a public space since that time.”
Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau Receives An Emergency Open Letter About the Adams Morgan Plaza
About Twenty Ward One Neighbors Ask Nadeau to Intervene Against Truist Bank "Stealing" the Plaza and Unhoused Residents Belongings Ward One, Washington, D.C. -- On Thursday, March 3, 2022, just two weeks before a DC Court of Appeals hearing regarding the future of the Adams Morgan Plaza, voting residents of Ward One sent an emergency … Continue reading Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau Receives An Emergency Open Letter About the Adams Morgan Plaza
2022 Begins with Our Premier Plaza Newsletter
Our premier Plaza newsletter
Peanuts Holiday at the Plaza
Plaza peeps set up the Plaza Xmas tree and we offered new tents, bedding, and clothes to our Plaza family!
MEETUP: Plaza Clean Out Sunday 11/21 1PM
Hello good people, We need help to clean up the Plaza after frequent rain and winds shredded the art up. Could grab a friend (or a few friends!) and show up for an hour or two to pitch in! Sunday November 21, between 1pm - 3pm [18th/Columbia NW]We'll bring music, elbow grease, and good vibes. … Continue reading MEETUP: Plaza Clean Out Sunday 11/21 1PM
Halloween on the Plaza, Saturday, October 30th
While continuing to defend our Plaza from Truist Bank and the Hoffman development group, we also enjoy coming together in the Plaza. Saturday, October 30, 5pm to 10pm (4PM SETUP; MUSIC 5PM+; GHOST STORIES 6PM+, 6:30 FILM & FUN 8PM+ AdMo Plaza Halloween Spooks! Meet at 18th and Columbia Road from 4pm to help with … Continue reading Halloween on the Plaza, Saturday, October 30th
Plaza Activities Heading Into October
Now that Plaza supporters defended our community corner from the unlawful fencing attempts of Truist bank recently, we move to action as we head into October! Saturday, October 2, 2pm to 6pm (1PM SETUP; MUSIC 2PM+; ART & FUN 2PM+ The Peoples Porch Plaza Fest! Meet at 18th and Columbia Road for the Adams Morgan … Continue reading Plaza Activities Heading Into October
Plaza Peoples Defend Community Space From Truist Bank, Councilmember Nadeau Where Are You?
On Wednesday September 22, and Friday September 24, 2021, #TruistDontCare bank officials arrived at the Adams Morgan Plaza in the early morning hours, long before any work activities are supposed to begin in DC, let alone un-permitted work activities, and tried to fence in the community corner at 18th and Columbia Road NW. Plaza supporters … Continue reading Plaza Peoples Defend Community Space From Truist Bank, Councilmember Nadeau Where Are You?
Plaza Supporters File Complaints Against Truist Bank with DCRA and MPD
truist-illegal-construction-complaint-1Download
Banksters snatching plaza NOW! Fri. morning Sep 24! CALL DCRA ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION HOTLINE 202-442-4400
#TruistDontCare Help us get our story out. Truist bank is ignoring a live Court case, running over DC's permitting process, and crushing our community's wishes to keep our plaza as a public use easement. They were stopped on Wednesday from erecting fences illegally. They are here now trying again. COME TO YOUR ADAMS MORGAN PLAZA! … Continue reading Banksters snatching plaza NOW! Fri. morning Sep 24! CALL DCRA ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION HOTLINE 202-442-4400
Open Letter to Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau: Pending a Response
plazaopenletter_to_briannenadeauDownload Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 102, NW Washington, DC 20004bnadeau@dccouncil.us September 21, 2021 Dear Councilmember Nadeau, There is a public emergency and humanitarian crisis mounting in Ward One at the Adams Morgan Plaza. Upon consideration of the circumstances we know the city can do much more than has been done to … Continue reading Open Letter to Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau: Pending a Response
No Fences: Peaceful Assembly: Wed Sep 22: Noon
#TruistRacist is trying to fence in our plaza and displace those living on our community corner this Wednesday at Noon. Be there with us to peacefully assemble, witness and shame the oppressors who don't care that a Court case about our plaza is pending and that they will seriously disrupt the lives of those living … Continue reading No Fences: Peaceful Assembly: Wed Sep 22: Noon
Plaza Court Case Still Pending but Truist Planning Forcible Removal and Closure
In January, 2021, Superior Court Judge Hiram Puig-Lugo refused to let a jury resolve the question of whether an easement should be recorded for the public use of the Plaza. In 2017, Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman issued a preliminary injunction against demolition at the Adams Morgan Plaza and fast-tracked a jury-trial, but Truist has … Continue reading Plaza Court Case Still Pending but Truist Planning Forcible Removal and Closure
Celebrate Black History Month in Adams Morgan Plaza
Join us as we put a spotlight on the fight against anti-Black racism in AdMo History Join us for a family-friendly day of music, snacks, speakers, historic photos, and neighbors as we discuss how to defend the Plaza and Adams Morgan’s legacy of anti-racist organizing. We want to renew and revive the heart of Adams … Continue reading Celebrate Black History Month in Adams Morgan Plaza
Hearts on the Plaza Event an Ice Cold Success!
Despite a severe ice storm, we decided it was important to show our determination to renew and revive AdMo Plaza to defend the anti-racist legacy of this neighborhood. Neighbors did come out despite the weather and great conversations were had along with the S'mores. We had some local television coverage. One reporter did a live … Continue reading Hearts on the Plaza Event an Ice Cold Success!
Stunner: Local Court Reverses Prior Decision and Pulls Injunction That Stopped Demolition of the Adams Morgan Plaza
Jan 11, 2021 photo of Suntrust (Truist) closing in the portico to prevent unhoused Adams Morgan residents from sheltering in the winter during a pandemic.
We’ve hit an obstacle to saving our plaza, a Federal Court
Save Our Plaza supporters were surprised when an property issue contending with the corner lot at 18th Street and Columbia Road, NW, in the heart of Adams Morgan, was suddenly moved out of the local court system into the U.S. District Court at the Federal level. This legal move happened back in 2017 upon the … Continue reading We’ve hit an obstacle to saving our plaza, a Federal Court
Save Our Plaza Survey
HERE'S A LOOK AT HOW VIBRANT THE PLAZA COULD LOOK INCORPORATING YOUR SUGGESTIONS. render by Jana of onlinerealign.com Click here to fill out our Plaza Survey. THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT THEIR RESPONSES IN TO THE PLAZA SURVEY! Based on your responses – here are some of the elements you said you would like to … Continue reading Save Our Plaza Survey
VICTORY! Judge stops razing of Plaza!
Today's win is official! Here is the DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman's Judgment transcript (37 pages PDF) and one-page Preliminary Injunction Order received from our talented DC pro bono trial attorney Paul Zukerberg. Anyone can show this to anyone with a bullldozer on our Plaza in Adams Morgan! 🙂 This PI means it will not be razed while the court reviews … Continue reading VICTORY! Judge stops razing of Plaza!
See you in court SunTrust and Hoffman!
We've officially joined forces with the Kalorama Citizens Association and pro bono attorney Paul Zukerberg, with resources generously donated from you all, to file suit against SunTrust, PN Hoffman and Potomac Partners. Click here for our official press release. Here the official documents filed with the court: Preliminary Injunction motion & PI exhibits Complaint If … Continue reading See you in court SunTrust and Hoffman!
Hoffman filed for raze permits. It’s go time!
Despite our many successes, the Plaza now hangs in the balance. We’re going to court soon to fight for it & we need AdMo4RD Save Our Plaza members' help: send us any feedback you’ve got on the case in writing this week give as generously as your budget reasonably allows to support the case contact … Continue reading Hoffman filed for raze permits. It’s go time!
Zukerberg Opinion Letter: “The plaza enjoys an easement for the benefit of the public…”
See the full text & related evidence by clicking on this link (PDF, 5.3 MB).
Community Strongly Opposes PN Hoffman Condo Project
Concerns Raised About Public Easement on Plaza Adams Morgan, DC, Wednesday, September 21, 2016 – A throng of PN Hoffman's brightest talents brought their latest designs to Adams Morgan Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners and residents at a packed public meeting at Mary's Center. Of the more than thirty people in attendance, the reaction was swift and … Continue reading Community Strongly Opposes PN Hoffman Condo Project
Trove of Historical Records
Bank's Response to Community Concerns Included Providing a Public Plaza Based on the verbal accounts of folks who've been selling at the Adams Morgan Saturday morning farmers market for decades, we've been saying that there was a major community struggle with the bank at 1800 Columbia Rd NW prior to the building even being built. … Continue reading Trove of Historical Records
In memory of Miguel Gonzales
Funeral and Burial, October 22, 2022 Hi Neighbors, After many months of searching for next of kin, we have made the decision to hold the funeral and burial for Miguel before the winter months arrive. We will gather in the Community Room of the Line Hotel to share memories and send him off together. Please … Continue reading In memory of Miguel Gonzales
Protected: June 2022 FOIA Information Release
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Big June 2022 Updates
UPDATE :: JUNE 17TH RALLY & MARCH click here Hi dear neighbors and friends, This is Vikram. Some updates on what's been going on in the past five weeks or so. Miguel's body is still at the DC Office of Chief Medical Examiner awaiting the process of locating next of kin to proceed. The … Continue reading Big June 2022 Updates
Restoring Miguel’s Vigil June 4th
On April 30, we celebrated the life of Miguel Gonzales and decried his untimely death resulting from a cascade of events born of economic violence against DC's lower income residents and vulnerable communities of color. Just a few days after our vigil, Truist Bank bank tore down Miguel's memorial without any account or care, perpetuating … Continue reading Restoring Miguel’s Vigil June 4th
Adams Morgan Plaza Logo
"Adams Morgan Plaza" seems so obvious now as the name of the plaza at 18th and Columbia Rd NW. The plaza, a public easement for permanent public use, has served our community since 1977 when it was won by neighbors from Perpetual Federal Bank that refused to allow their new branch without atonement for years … Continue reading Adams Morgan Plaza Logo
Invitation to file Amicus Briefs
We are requesting that local and national nonprofits file "friend of the court" papers in support of our appeal seeking party status in defense of the public easement at Adams Morgan Plaza. Please consider requesting that your nonprofit join by March 31, 2021. Read the official invitation here. We are seeking amicus curiae briefs from … Continue reading Invitation to file Amicus Briefs
DC Historic Preservation Board Asks PN Hoffman to Come Back
Press Release: Adams Morgan for Reasonable Development, 202 670 2366 admo4rd@gmail.com DC Historic Preservation Board Asks PN Hoffman to Come Back With Design Changes to Suntrust Plaza Project Plaza Advocates Immediately File Freedom of Information Request Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C. – Last Thursday, October 27, 2016, the DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) had mixed … Continue reading DC Historic Preservation Board Asks PN Hoffman to Come Back
History Prior to the Plaza
The Knickerbocker & Ambassador Theaters The site was originally the home of the beautiful Knickerbocker Theater, designed by local architect Reginald Geare in 1915 and owned by DC theatre operator Henry Crandall , who also later built the Tivoli Theater which still stands in Columbia Heights. On January 28, 1922, the night after the worst snowstorm … Continue reading History Prior to the Plaza
Update: July 9th SOPA Gathering
We wanted to update you about our SaveOurPlaza gathering on Saturday, July 9, 2016. Teach-in Sat big @PN_Hoffman project 18&Col'biaRd @AdamsMorganANC @BrianneKNadeau @paulschwartzman @ItsAdamsMorgan pic.twitter.com/ghMbDoqWVX — bill rice (@ricebilldc) July 10, 2016 Our gathering brought out more than 35 people from the community, including: Tania Jackson, Chief of Staff for Brianne Nadeau, Ward One Councilmember … Continue reading Update: July 9th SOPA Gathering
Victory! Community Plaza Saved (for now)
Our historic plaza at the corner of 18th and Columbia has been given a temporary reprieve from being paved over by McCondos. Between the many letters that were written into the record by YOU, and the great organizing that brought an array of Adams Morgan residents to the HPRB hearing, all taken together pushed the … Continue reading Victory! Community Plaza Saved (for now)
ACT NOW for YOUR PLAZA! 