WASHINGTON (7News) — A group of residents in Northwest D.C. and their Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner notched a win Wednesday night when they won their appeal against a new, temporary, central cell block.

The Department of Buildings chose a city building at 501 New York Avenue, Northwest as the site to hold new arrestees before they are charged or released. The current location on Indiana Avenue is set to be renovated.

Some residents around the proposed site argue that a holding facility, the increased traffic, and increased use at the current building have no place in a neighborhood.

"We never stopped emailing members of the government," said Rachelle Nigro, 2G06. "We never stopped asking questions."

"It was a group effort and clearly we succeeded," she said. "It's a win."

The permit was previously approved to build the temporary holding cell in a building that was used by MPD's Traffic Safety and Special Enforcement Section.

Nigro said she learned about the plan well after the permit was pushed through the system.

She said the community's lack of involvement in the process kick-started a campaign to block the plan already in progress.

The Board of Zoning Adjustment voted 3 to 2 in favor of Nigro's appeal, finding that a special exception is needed for the site.

The location currently has a Sally port and 20 holding cells.

However, one board member pointed to the "increase in use intensity" that would come from adding cells as a reason to back the appeal.

Although, the DOB said residents would not see or hear detainees, Nigro still argues that a cell block is inappropriate for the area.

"We are feet away from my constituents that are directly behind you, and there is a childcare center on the other side of the street," said Nigro.

The original proposal slated construction to start in October 2023 and finish in December 2024, with a full swing by the second quarter of 2025.

7News reached out to the DOB asking how this will affect their plans.

They did not respond in time for this report.

According to Nigro, the department can either file an appeal of its own with the BZA or find a way forward with the community.

"Frankly, either way, the project is delayed," said Nigro. "Our main point is that we do not want this project. We will do whatever it takes to not have this project at 501 New York Avenue."