Sunday, September 18, 2011

Satellite Dishes: Not Out Front, Please

It truly is exciting seeing all the renovations going on in Anacostia -- each one makes such an important difference on the neighborhood's blocks. But...

It ain't cool, or allowed, to install satellite dishes on the front of a house.



When you get DirecTV or another dish service, the installers will try to install it on a surface that is easiest for them. However, they will install in the back or on the main roof if you ask for it.

These houses on W Street are a prime example:



For the sake of the historic district - and your own pocketbook (remember, the city city can fine for violations against the historic district) - please make sure to have dishes installed on the back of the house or on the roof, far enough back so that it isn't visible from the street. Thanks!

11 comments:

Leah said...

Really?

Tom Veil said...

ZOMG, they also have overhead wires, and air conditioners, and windows that seal properly! That's not historical! Get your pitchforks!

David Garber said...

Yes, really. This is a historic district, and as ridiculous as it may sound, it's not allowed.

Always better to do it right the first time than to be fined for doing it wrong. If the street signs aren't already an indication, anyone who has purchased a home in the neighborhood since the 1970s knows this is a historic district.

Critically Urban said...

You need to alert your neighbors directly, or if they don't respond to that, report them to the proper authorities. I can't see how a home owner would not respect the law in this case ("easy" as calling up DirecTV or Dish Network), but they might need a little nudging.

James Sinclair said...

I thought federal law banned restrictions on placement of satellite dishes on exclusive use property?

Anonymous said...

Its this attitude that has led to the movement to defeat you in Near SE

David Garber said...

It's a law, not an attitude. If you'd like to have an actual conversation about it, shoot me an email and I'd be happy to talk more.

Leah said...

Historic or not, this is just embarrassing. Reporting your neighbor to the "proper authorities" for a satellite dish that you (and the law?) find distasteful? Definitely in the spirit of "community." Way to go middle-upper classes! I can't wait until you bring development to my neighborhood!

Linnie-Me said...

I agree with you in general not just because of the historic district. Satellite dishes are just awful looking and it seems they are never taken down so one home will have 3 or 4 on it. Rules are rules if you don't want to abide by them you can purchase a home outside of the historic district, there are plenty.

Anonymous said...

Leah, unfortunately your attitude towards laws and community is common place. We should respect the laws and community. Personally, I don't think abiding by the laws in place make me, my community, or you middle class. The satelite dish on the front of a home is extremely distasteful.

Anacostiaque said...

I agree with the distasteful look of the dishes. Law or not, it simply doesn't look good. Also can include numerous wires from cable service, that is no longer in service. Old, outdated awnings with "caked on" paint are another eyesoar.