A neighbor read our mind and asked us to report on budget news. On May 30, 2017, the DC Council cast its first vote for a FY 2018 budget. It includes a few items of interest specific to the neighborhood.

New neighborhood library

Funding for modernizing the Lamond-Riggs Library has been moved up to fiscal years 2018 and 2019. There were discussions about including a new library in the Art Place at Fort Totten development. It appears now that question has been answered and it will be renovated at its current location.

Coolidge modernization

Funding for modernization of Coolidge High School and new middle school components is included in the FY 2018 & 2019 budget. Recall LaSalle-Backus Education Campus, currently preK-8, will become preK-5 and students will attend middle school on the Coolidge campus.

Pedestrian Safety

The budget includes money for pedestrian safety improvements including rapid flashing beacon lights at Michigan Avenue and Perry Street NE near Turkey Thicket Recreation Center.

Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie issued a press release highlighting a bevy of other items, including funding for more DCRA inspectors; funding for legislation to provide legal assistance for low-income residents in landlord tenant matters, ban the box in housing, and assess the need for larger family units in rental housing; an increase in money for vouchers for low-income and extremely low-income residents; and an increase in funding for transportation for seniors and disabled residents. To view the complete list of highlights from Councilmember McDuffie, click here. For the complete Council markup of the proposed FY 2018 budget, click here.