The Current Wednesday, April 3, 2013
11
FUNDS: Mayor’s capital budget supports schools, libraries, parks
From Page 1
children and expects to add perhaps another 100 when the work is complete. A highly rated “blue ribbon school,” Mann is now forced to hold some classes in trailers and hallways, with what leaders say is the smallest physical space per student of any school in the city. Part of the ambitious school modernization effort under way citywide, both projects had been mired in doubt. Neighbors opposed initial designs for the two projects, and Gray’s approved capital budget for the current fiscal year contained only about $10 million for work on each of the existing school buildings — with timing and funding for added space still to be determined. But school leaders, parents and Ward 3 D.C. Council member Mary Cheh pushed hard for full funding. They argued that overcrowded buildings hindered learning and couldn’t offer modern facilities — labs, physical education and performing arts space — that current education specifications require. Proponents also said stretching out construction over several years would only add to the disruption. Until last week, Gray aides said the mayor was committed to both projects, but was still trying to identify the needed funds. Last Thursday, after the budget announcement, mayoral spokesperson Pedro Ribeiro emailed The Current, saying “the budget fully funds Hearst and Mann modernizations! We committed to it, and today we delivered.” Cheh last December chastised the mayor for “breaking his promise” to the two school communities. On Thursday, she issued a statement applauding Gray for fully funding the two “long overdue modernization projects” at Hearst and Mann, as well as investing in other school, library and recreation projects in the ward and citywide. School leaders were also pleased, though uncertain about the timing and final details of the construction work. “We are very excited, and grateful for the involvement of city leaders,” said David Dickinson, copresident of Hearst’s PTA. “We’ll continue to work with the architect to refine the plans. We’re hoping to get a shovel in the ground as quickly as possible.” Dickinson noted that current students in the early grades at Hearst, which draws children from all over the city, will be using the modernized and expanded facilities if the work goes quickly. Gray’s new budget proposal for the next five fiscal years includes funding for dozens of other capital projects in Northwest D.C., often with work phased over several years. Funds for school renovations and modernizations, continuing the ambitious program which began in 2006, include: ■ $81.5 million for Duke Ellington School of the Arts in fiscal 2014 and 2015. ■ $127 million to “fully renovate”
Roosevelt High in fiscal 2014 and 2015. ■ $103 million for Coolidge High, starting in fiscal 2017. ■ $18 million to restore the historic Reno School and connect it, with classroom additions, to Deal Middle. The fiscal 2014 funding was increased to accommodate “strong enrollment projections” at Deal. ■ $14.2 million for Hyde-Addison Elementary, starting in fiscal 2014. ■ $24 million for Francis-Stevens Education Campus, starting in fiscal 2015. ■ $16 million for Garrison Elementary, starting in fiscal 2015. ■ $4.8 million for Ross Elementary in fiscal 2018. ■ $4.8 million to create additional classrooms in fiscal 2014 at Janney Elementary, which was recently modernized and then experienced a jump in enrollment. ■ $51 million for Lafayette Elementary, phased over fiscal 20142016. ■ $10.7 million for Eaton Elementary, starting in fiscal 2016. ■ $32.6 million for Murch
Elementary, for work in fiscal 2014, 2016 and 2019. ■ $7.9 million for Oyster-Adams Bilingual School in fiscal 2015, and an additional $5 million in 2019. ■ $20 million for Shepherd Elementary, with work slated in fiscal 2014 and 2018. ■ $30 million for West Education Campus, with work in fiscal 2014, 2015 and 2019. Gray’s budget proposal also includes $24 million to add special education classrooms, and to adapt other classrooms for special-ed students, in schools citywide — part of the mayor’s effort to accommodate such students in the public schools rather than paying costly private school tuition. For park and recreation facilities, the budget proposes: ■ a $9.5 million renovation of the Palisades Recreation Center, starting in fiscal 2014. ■ $8 million to build a new recreation center at Friendship (Turtle) Park, with $500,000 allocated for design work in the coming fiscal year.
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■ $1 million to stabilize and upgrade the Fort Stevens Recreation Center in fiscal 2015, including a study of additional improvement needs. ■ $1 million to improve the field and field house at Stead Park in fiscal 2015. For libraries, Gray is proposing to spend $21.7 million to demolish the Palisades Library and construct a new 22,5000-square-foot facility, starting in fiscal 2015. The dilapidated Cleveland Park Library is also slated for a $15.2 million renovation starting in 2015. The description for the Cleveland Park project notes there is “potential to redevelop the library in partnership with a commercial venture to be located on the site.” Gray is also proposing to spend $100 million on affordable-housing initiatives and $400 million to expand the streetcar system. The long-stalled construction of “Klingle Trail” along a much-disputed 0.7mile abandoned roadbed in Rock Creek Park is funded for $3 million, with completion promised in fiscal 2015.
Bill Petros/Current File Photo
Duke Ellington is slated to get $81.5 million in 2014 and 2015.
The capital budget proposal also includes $12 million to relocate Engine Co. 22 from dilapidated quarters at 5760 Georgia Ave. to a site further north on Georgia at Butternut Street. Documents say an architect has been selected to design a 30,000-square-foot, four-bay fire station, but that construction is “on hold” pending transfer of the property — part of the Walter Reed campus — from the U.S. Army to the city. Funding for a $4.2 million renovation of the historic Engine Co. 23, at 2119 G St. NW, is included in the fiscal 2014 budget. The project will include widening the bay doors to accommodate modern fire vehicles.