Dear PoP – Gage School/Park Funding Problems

Update – Fear not CM Jim Graham reports the good news from today’s council meeting on twitter:

“First session finally over and we did get money back for Gage-Eckington Park project. Now on to Marion’s censure etc.”

“Dear PoP,

I learned this morning that the funding for the to-be-built park at the former Gage Eckington school is once again at risk; this time by Councilmember Harry Thomas. I was wondering if you could urge your readers to contact Councilmember Thomas if they disagree with his decision, and in fact support the funding for the park. We have waited too long and come too far to see the park plans simply disappear overnight. The link below shows a letter from the LeDroit Park Civic Association President detailing the news. I believe the Council is meeting sometime today to vote on this measure.

Dear Friends and Neighbors.

This evening I learned that once again the funding for the community park at the former Gage Eckington school is at risk. Tomorrow there is a resolution on the DC Council agenda by Councilman Harry Thomas (Ward 5) to “Disapprove” of the funds for the park being allocated to the Mayor’s office as planned. In order for the Mayor’s office to move forward on the project as planned and committed to the community, the funds must be approved by the Council.

Thankfully CM Graham continues to fully supports our efforts to get the park fully funded and is working hard to remove this latest obstacle. But for some reason CM Thomas is NOT supporting the building of this park based on the motion for disapproval. (“Reprogramming No. 18-0096 Disapproval Resolution of 2010”. PR 18-0742.)

CM Thomas has recently offerred support to the community for this project (see email below) but tomorrow his actions will essentially kill the funding for this project.

PLEASE CONTACT CM THOMAS to voice your support for the Park at Gage Eckington. Encourage him to withdraw his opposition and say YES to approving the funds.

Also, please contact the other members of the committee responsible for DC Parks and let them know how much the community park means to you, your family and the communities of LeDroit Park and Bloomingdale.

The resolution will come up for a vote TUESDAY March 2, so please make your calls and emails ASAP.

Thanks,
Jeff Herron
President LeDroit Park Civic Association

SEE CONTACT & EMAIL INFORMATION BELOW (after the jump.)

Committee on Libraries, Parks & Recreation

Committee Chairperson:

Harry Thomas, Jr.
[email protected] (202) 724-8028

Committee Members:

David A. Catania
[email protected] (202) 724-7772

Kwame R. Brown
[email protected] (202) 724-8174

Phil Mendelson
[email protected] (202) 724-8064

Yvette Alexander
[email protected] (202) 724-8068″