Washington, D.C. – Amidst a troubling pattern of violent crimes, the Ivy City Hotel in Ward 5 is being mandated to enhance its security measures. This decision, announced by Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb, comes as a response to a series of violent incidents including homicides and armed robberies that have shaken the community from February 2023 to February 2024. The necessity for stringent security upgrades was triggered by two homicides, multiple drug and gun-related incidents, and the recovery of illegal substances and a ghost gun on the hotel premises.
The Ivy City Hotel, a property owned by Ivy City Lodging, LLC since 2016, has been a focal point of police calls due to ongoing violent incidents. As part of a pre-suit settlement agreement, the hotel is now required not only to increase its security staffing overnight but also to implement advanced monitoring systems. More specifically, the changes include maintaining adequate outdoor lighting, installing operational security cameras, and integrating those cameras with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center.
According to Attorney General Schwalb, the use of aggressive legal frameworks, such as the District’s Drug-, Firearm-, or Prostitution-Related Nuisance Abatement Act, is crucial. “The settlement with Ivy City Hotel underpins our broader strategy to enhance public safety by holding property owners responsible and ensuring proactive measures are in place to reduce criminal activities,” said Schwalb.
This comprehensive approach reflects recent amendments proposed by Schwalb’s office aimed at expanding the Nuisance Abatement Act. These changes are designed to enable more robust interventions in properties plagued by consistent criminal behavior, potentially allowing courts to mandate security evaluations to determine necessary improvements.
Despite early initiatives by Ivy City Lodging to boost security following the incidents, the issues persisted, prompting the intervention by the Office of the Attorney General. The upgrade to the security infrastructure required under the settlement includes registering the hotel’s surveillance cameras with the District’s Camera Connect Program. This program facilitates the direct streaming of footage to the police department, enabling a more immediate response to incidents.
Moreover, Ivy City Hotel must adhere to strict compliance and monitoring by the OAG until at least August 2025, to ensure that the implemented measures are sustained and effective.
The problem of crime in residential and commercial properties in Washington, D.C., remains an ongoing challenge. The OAG engages with property owners collaboratively to regulate activities and improve safety, following referrals from MPD and community entities. Moreover, the office continues to support legislation that promotes safer living environments across the district, holding property owners accountable for breaches in safety protocols.
For D.C. residents facing similar issues, the OAG offers resources and guidance to report suspicions or grievances about landlord behaviors or unsafe housing conditions, ensuring that community safety remains a priority in every neighborhood.
This incident serves as a reminder of the crucial role property management plays in community safety, and the serious implications of inadequacies in this role. Through legal actions and collaborations with law enforcement, the Office of the Attorney General is determined to uphold safety regulations and foster a secure environment throughout the district.