May 20, 2022
Letter to Deputy Mayor Babers and Director Lott on Infrastructure
I am especially interested in learning about the projects the Task Force recommends for
prioritization, especially those that can be funded via competitive grants. As you both know, I
would like to see DC compete for part of the $1 billion Reconnecting Communities Pilot
Program aimed at restoring community connectivity to neighborhoods divided by highways. As
I mentioned in my letter to the Mayor regarding the FY23 budget, this is a great opportunity to
explore re-envisioning DC-295 and its relationship to the communities of River Terrace,
Parkside, Mayfair, Eastland Gardens, Kenilworth, Deanwood and Benning. The pilot program
would give us an historic opportunity to knit communities back together after 70 years of
division, and it would improve access to school, jobs, public transportation, and retail while also
reducing air and noise pollution for residents in Wards 7 and 8.