Photo By Paul Bello | Washington Mayor Vincent Gray, addressed members of a local AARP chapter during a...... read more read more
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WASHINGTON – His busy schedule didn’t allow him to stay for lunch, but Washington Mayor Vincent Gray, did bring some big budget numbers to the table and added a personal battle cry for seniors throughout the district during a special luncheon for members of a local Association of Retired Persons (AARP) chapter April 10th on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB).
With all that’s planned in this year’s budget, in addition to the district’s 2014 budget, Gray hopes to dispel any notion that one side of the city is more important than the other - particularly when it comes to addressing the needs of its southeast neighborhoods. He said $18 million has been allocated to help rebuild a southeast learning center in Ward 7. There’s also the St. Elizabeth’s Hospital project, which encompasses 180 acres of property on two campuses.
Construction of a new pavilion recently commenced on its east side and its western campus will soon be home to the relocated headquarters of the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the headquarters to the U.S. Coast Guard. That’s not all that’s coming to southeast, according to Gray.
“We have broken ground on the new Ballou High School, which will be one of the finest high schools in America once it’s built,” Gray continued. “We’re not sparing any expense, either. We’re investing $120 million into that project because it’s the right thing to do for this community, as well as the district. I’m proud to say it will be ready August 2014.”
He noted that roughly $20 million is also being allocated in this current budget as a first installment towards building a new hospital on the site of the current United Medical Center. Though the hospital was contemporary at one time, he said it dates back more than 60 years and, due to the dynamics of outpatient services, its reason enough to change with the times.
“A big issue for people on a fixed income is obviously affordable housing. That’s why this budget includes a signature investment of $100 million to make sure people continue to live in the district,” Gray said. “People should not have to leave if they feel there’s no place for them. That investment will pay off. It’s already in a supplemental budget and we can move forward with that and focus on those with the lowest income.”
Before closing his remarks, Gray pointed out that age is only a number. He said people shouldn’t retire unless they want to and that people like those in the audience have enormous expertise which isn’t always tapped effectively by the community. With that in mind, he hopes to work with the local Anacostia Bellevue Congress Heights AARP chapter to craft an age-friendly policy for the district that will generate enthusiasm at a grass roots level.
“The final destination for people should be the community they’ve lived in all their lives. We need to commit ourselves to a policy that underscores the independence of people,” Gray said. “No matter how old you are, there’s still a useful place for you. Wisdom, intellect, and experience. That’s what we need to capture here in D.C.”
Broderick Lane, an AARP member and longtime member of the chapter visiting JBAB, said it’s important having someone like Gray in their corner.
“He understands the reality of our situation,” Lane said. “He has a pulse to what’s going on in our lives. He’s an AARP member himself, so he gets it. He understands.”
In efforts to further help seniors, the district has raised its homestead deduction rate to $64,000 of assessed property value, in addition to improving transit options, supporting a law that financially supports grandparents raising their grandchildren and incorporating senior villages with physical accommodations throughout the district, Gray said.
“Mayor Gray brought up a lot of important points, particularly about harnessing what we already have here in the community,” said JBAB Commander Navy Capt. Anthony T. Calandra. “It’s important as a city, installation and a nation that we capitalize on the wisdom in audiences like this.”
Following the luncheon, AARP members received a special rifle demonstration from the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, which last year captured top honors during an annual Department of Defense (DoD) competition among all military service branches.
“I knew they were good, but that was absolutely amazing,” said Jennifer Gibson. “Their precision is something to see.”
| Date Taken: | 04.10.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.11.2013 13:32 |
| Story ID: | 105030 |
| Location: | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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