Councilmember Henderson introduces bill for Lee Montessori's new play space
February 18, 2025 | Introduced, Senate, 2025 Bills, District of Columbia Legislation Bills, District of Columbia
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Council of the District of Columbia is taking steps to enhance educational facilities in Ward 8 with the introduction of the Closing of a Public Alley in Square 5624, S.O. 17-21054, Act of 2025. Proposed by Councilmember Christina Henderson on February 14, 2025, this bill aims to convert an unimproved alleyway into a play space for students at the Lee Montessori East End campus.
The Lee Montessori school, which has been operating at 2345 R Street SE since the 2020-2021 school year, recently completed an expansion that increased its capacity by 80 students, bringing total enrollment to approximately 305. However, the existing layout includes a “paper” alley that disrupts the potential use of an open area at the center of the campus. By closing this alley, the school hopes to create a dedicated play area that will foster both physical activity and learning opportunities for its students.
The bill addresses a pressing need for outdoor space in an area where such facilities are limited. School leadership envisions transforming the currently unused land into a vibrant play area, which aligns with broader goals of promoting health and wellness among young scholars. The proposed measure is seen as a crucial step in maximizing the use of the school’s property and enhancing the educational environment.
While the bill has garnered support from the school community and local leaders, it is not without its challenges. Discussions around land use and community impact are expected as the bill moves through the legislative process. The potential closure of the alley raises questions about public access and the implications for surrounding neighborhoods, which may lead to debates among council members and constituents.
If passed, this legislation could set a precedent for similar initiatives aimed at improving educational facilities across the District. The outcome of this bill will not only affect the Lee Montessori community but could also inspire other schools to seek creative solutions for enhancing their campuses. As the council prepares to deliberate on this measure, the focus remains on fostering environments that support the health and development of students in the District of Columbia.
The Lee Montessori school, which has been operating at 2345 R Street SE since the 2020-2021 school year, recently completed an expansion that increased its capacity by 80 students, bringing total enrollment to approximately 305. However, the existing layout includes a “paper” alley that disrupts the potential use of an open area at the center of the campus. By closing this alley, the school hopes to create a dedicated play area that will foster both physical activity and learning opportunities for its students.
The bill addresses a pressing need for outdoor space in an area where such facilities are limited. School leadership envisions transforming the currently unused land into a vibrant play area, which aligns with broader goals of promoting health and wellness among young scholars. The proposed measure is seen as a crucial step in maximizing the use of the school’s property and enhancing the educational environment.
While the bill has garnered support from the school community and local leaders, it is not without its challenges. Discussions around land use and community impact are expected as the bill moves through the legislative process. The potential closure of the alley raises questions about public access and the implications for surrounding neighborhoods, which may lead to debates among council members and constituents.
If passed, this legislation could set a precedent for similar initiatives aimed at improving educational facilities across the District. The outcome of this bill will not only affect the Lee Montessori community but could also inspire other schools to seek creative solutions for enhancing their campuses. As the council prepares to deliberate on this measure, the focus remains on fostering environments that support the health and development of students in the District of Columbia.
View Bill
This article is based on a bill currently being presented in the state government—explore the full text of the bill for a deeper understanding and compare it to the constitution
View Bill