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DCIST
June 22, 2010 Tuesday 5:38 PM EST
More Delays for Armenian Genocide Museum
Kriston Capps
Jun. 22, 2010 (DCist delivered by Newstex) --
Photo courtesy the DC Public Library Commons
Michael Neibauer reports today that the Armenian Genocide Museum and
Memorial -- the organization that owns the former Federal American
National Bank building downtown and intends to turn it into an
historical museum -- received another 2-year extension from the Board
of Zoning. The museum is being delayed as the organization struggles
with litigation -- and a mounting tax liability.
Neibauer reports:
The museum owes $298,819 in real estate taxes -- $217,280 in 2009 and
$81,539 in 2010 -- as well as $57,998 in public space taxes and $4,876
in Business Improvement District taxes, according to D.C. tax records.
The organization collected $2.76 million in grants, contributions and
interest income in 2007, but only $742,474 in 2008, according to its
Form 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service. The museum ended tax
year 2008 with $22.4 million in net assets.Neibauer says that a former
donor has demanded the return of his or her contributions and placed a
lien on the building; one museum trustee said that the case has scared
off donors. The organization could resolve its legal issues and see
donations rebound quickly.
The economy is picking up, which improves the base for philanthropic
giving. But I'd expect that President Barack Obama's flipflop on the
issue will be a significant driver for donations. Twice while in
office President Obama has marked the anniversary of the Armenian
genocide without using the word "genocide." Know how to send the
President a message that this is unacceptable? Park an institution
called "The Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial" in a gorgeous
Beaux-Arts building a couple blocks from the White House.
From: A. Papazian
June 22, 2010 Tuesday 5:38 PM EST
More Delays for Armenian Genocide Museum
Kriston Capps
Jun. 22, 2010 (DCist delivered by Newstex) --
Photo courtesy the DC Public Library Commons
Michael Neibauer reports today that the Armenian Genocide Museum and
Memorial -- the organization that owns the former Federal American
National Bank building downtown and intends to turn it into an
historical museum -- received another 2-year extension from the Board
of Zoning. The museum is being delayed as the organization struggles
with litigation -- and a mounting tax liability.
Neibauer reports:
The museum owes $298,819 in real estate taxes -- $217,280 in 2009 and
$81,539 in 2010 -- as well as $57,998 in public space taxes and $4,876
in Business Improvement District taxes, according to D.C. tax records.
The organization collected $2.76 million in grants, contributions and
interest income in 2007, but only $742,474 in 2008, according to its
Form 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service. The museum ended tax
year 2008 with $22.4 million in net assets.Neibauer says that a former
donor has demanded the return of his or her contributions and placed a
lien on the building; one museum trustee said that the case has scared
off donors. The organization could resolve its legal issues and see
donations rebound quickly.
The economy is picking up, which improves the base for philanthropic
giving. But I'd expect that President Barack Obama's flipflop on the
issue will be a significant driver for donations. Twice while in
office President Obama has marked the anniversary of the Armenian
genocide without using the word "genocide." Know how to send the
President a message that this is unacceptable? Park an institution
called "The Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial" in a gorgeous
Beaux-Arts building a couple blocks from the White House.
From: A. Papazian