(a) The Mayor shall establish a Grocery Store Development Program ("Program") within the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to attract grocery stores to, and renovate grocery stores in, eligible areas in the District and to create quality jobs for District residents.
(b) The District of Columbia Housing Authority and the Office of Planning shall, as requested by the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, assist the program by providing technical assistance and other resources. The Washington, D.C. Economic Partnership may assist this program by providing technical assistance and support.
(c) The Program may:
(1) Establish a working group of community development financial institutions, District agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other interested District individuals and organizations to seek federal funding through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, the new market tax credits program, pursuant to section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approved December 21, 2000 (114 Stat. 2763; 26 U.S.C. § 45D), and other programs; and
(2)(A) Provide a combination of any or all of the following to grocery stores in eligible areas:
(i) Grants;
(ii) Loans;
(iii) Federal tax credits;
(iv) Other financial assistance; and
(v) Technical assistance.
(B) The benefits provided by this paragraph shall be awarded to grocery stores in eligible areas on a competitive basis, with priority given to grocery stores in eligible areas that are underserved by retail sales of healthy food.
(Apr. 8, 2011, D.C. Law 18-353, § 201, 58 DCR 746.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For history of Law 18-353, see notes under § 2-1212.01.
(a) As a condition of participating in the Program, an individual or legal entity operating a grocery store shall:
(1) Accept SNAP benefits;
(2) Apply to accept WIC benefits and accept WIC benefits if eligible;
(3) Enter into a first source agreement; and
(4) Sell fresh produce and healthy foods.
(b) A grocery store shall agree in writing to the conditions set forth in subsection (a) of this section for a period of at least 5 years as a condition of participating in the Program; provided, that this requirement shall not be enforceable if the individual or legal entity ceases grocery store operations.
(Apr. 8, 2011, D.C. Law 18-353, § 202, 58 DCR 746.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For history of Law 18-353, see notes under § 2-1212.01.
The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development shall designate a District employee as the grocery ambassador to assist retailers in building or renovating grocery stores in eligible areas by:
(1) Providing research and data on eligible areas with insufficient grocery access;
(2) Coordinating with all relevant District agencies and public utilities;
(3) Providing assistance in obtaining and expediting regulatory procedures and approvals; and
(4) Providing other assistance as needed.
(Apr. 8, 2011, D.C. Law 18-353, § 203, 58 DCR 746.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For history of Law 18-353, see notes under § 2-1212.01.
(a) The Zoning Commission should adopt regulations that permit bonus density or other appropriate zoning flexibility for projects in eligible areas with grocery stores, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
(b) When considering applications for special exceptions or planned unit developments, the Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment should give favorable weight to projects with grocery stores in eligible areas.
(c) Grocery stores in eligible areas shall be eligible for the Green Building Expedited Construction Documents Review Program established by § 6-1451.06 notwithstanding that they fail to qualify as green buildings under § 6- 1451.01(17).
(Apr. 8, 2011, D.C. Law 18-353, § 204, 58 DCR 746.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For history of Law 18-353, see notes under § 2-1212.01.
