For Immediate Release: July 10, 2008
Contact:
Tom Hier, Ward 3 Vision, 202-365-4311 (cell)
Rebecca Perring, CSG, 734-646-1366 (cell), 202-244-4408 x122

Ward 3 Vision Lauds Tenley Library Partnership

(Washington, DC) Today, residents of Ward 3 were excited to hear that Mayor Fenty established a public private partnership to rebuild the Tenley Friendship Library.

“We look forward to LCOR providing the community with a new mixed use library and needed renovations to Janney Elementary School.  The project will also include affordable homes that are much needed in our community,” said Tom Quinn, Ward 3 resident and future Janney parent.

Community members applaud the city’s recognition of the opportunity created by this project’s proximity to the Metro and major bus lines.  This is a unique chance to leverage the value of the public land and private resources to gain needed community amenities.

“As a Janney parent, I look forward to working with the city and developer to ensure a great project for the community and our school. I am encouraged that the city put the Tenley Library air-rights back into play, in response to the community and Councilmembers Cheh and Brown.  With the guarantee from the Mayor that there will no net loss of play space for Janney School, this effort can be a great contribution to the entire community,” said Ward 3 resident Allison Feeney.

As the city moves forward in this process, it is important that the community remains involved in order to create the best possible project.  Ward 3 Vision and the Coalition for Smarter Growth appreciate Mayor Fenty’s commitment to working with the community, and urge the city to ensure that meaningful public engagement as decisions are made.

“With rising energy costs and the growing concern over climate change, accommodating new growth at Metro stations and close to jobs along the Wisconsin Avenue corridor is a key solution for the region,” said Rebecca Perring of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

“This location is at an important crossroads in upper Northwest.  Such a project can add a civic component that will contribute to the vibrancy and urban character of Tenleytown as a neighborhood center.  We look forward to a constructive dialogue with the City and LCOR,” said Tom Hier, Ward 3 resident and Chair of Ward 3 Vision, an active community group working to ensure new development in Ward 3 neighborhoods is positive and forward-thinking.