LISTEN: DC Councilmember Wants To Trade School Parking For Playgrounds

Caroline Tucker
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON – (WMAL) Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen wants to preserve playgrounds and green space at District schools.

He has proposed a plan that would eliminate the need for creating parking lots by establishing special parking zones for teachers and school staff.

The proposal is aimed at schools that are undergoing a modernization.

“It doesn’t mandate it. What it does is it gives the mayor the authority to create these school parking zones. So there may be instances where it doesn’t make any sense,” said DC Councilmember Charles Allen, (D) Ward 6.

Councilmember Allen says the plan would utilize spaces that typically are free during the day.

However, teachers would purchase parking permits for a small fee.

“We are putting a priority on the playgrounds, the play space, the outdoor space that we kind of have come to expect at elementary schools and middle schools around the country,” said Councilmember Allen.

Before anything moves forward, there would be a public hearing on this plan.