Katie Boerner of The Glen Echo Park Partnership now has some hope. “I think, all in all, it was a very good day for Glen Echo Park,” Boerner said.
Two items were included in the County Executive’s budget regarding Glen Echo Park. The first, a $100,000 grant had been generally agreed to as part of the county’s partnership in developing the park. Additionally, there had been a request for $121,720 for maintenance. That amount had been reduced by $30,000 in committee and then deleted entirely by the full council.
One council member thought the park was the victim of being the first item discussed in a tough budget season.
“Glen Echo was at the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Councilmember Tom Perez (D-5). Perez had been against the reduction of funding in committee.
When the council took up the issue of the $100,000 grant, which passed without controversy, Nancy Floreen (D-At Large) introduced a resolution to include an option for maintenance funding.
The funds were split into three $40,000 increments which will be discussed by council, among other possible projects at the end of the budget session. “I think it is critical that we do what we can,” Floreen said.
Other council members agreed, citing the federal assistance in developing the site.
“When we have senators and representatives at the federal level, [who helped with this project] we owe it to them, and I hope we will not walk away from the partnership,” said George Leventhal (D-At Large).
Councilmember Howard Denis (R-1) was optimistic that at least some of the funding would be restored. “This was the first of a two step process,” Denis said.
The second step will take place on reconciliation day, at the end of the budget process. On that day, the council considers any available money left over and projects which it might fund. As a result of Floreen’s resolution, the council has the option to restore funding for park maintenance in a maximum of three $40,000 increments. Reconciliation day is scheduled for XXXX.