In looking at the Capital Budget, I was at first horrified. Then just very disappointed. And now, even more people are being disappointed. Here’s some examples of what’s making at least a few people unhappy, in what is usually not a controversial document.
1. Tenney Park Shelter. This one took several emails before people believed me. I kept getting the response of “but the Mayor told us”. I don’t know what the Mayor promised my constituents, as I was not invited to the meetings about this project in my district, but, it’s not in there.
2. James Madison Park. This one, I’m not surprised. The Mayor took forever to appoint a committee to deal with selling the homes in James Madison Park and as a result, we didn’t spend the $200,000 that was in the budget to make improvements to this park. The Comptroller explained that when money is authorized and not spent, that we just reauthorize it the following year, which is why our capital budget is growing so much. However, this money was not re-authorized. It’s not in there.
3. TIF 10% Set-Aside Program. Same story, different budget line item. This is money, based on a program we set up, that assures that 10% of the money in TIF districts is spent on affordable housing. However, the program has essentially been undermined by budgeting gimmicks ever since the program began. Last year, we put money in the budget, but I don’t believe it was spent. So, it should be re-authorized. However, it’s not in there.
But what is in there? Raiding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to build a road. Something not allowed under our current ordinance.
