A Record That Continued: Accomplishments Since 2024

1. Belleau Wood Park Dual-Purpose Tennis & Pickleball Courts - 

The Belleau Wood Park tennis and pickleball courts were one of my three district-specific requests for the FY 2024 budget, but the commitment began even earlier. While campaigning in 2022, I promised Belleau Wood residents that I would work to bring these courts to their neighborhood. After taking office, I followed through by making the project one of my three district-specific budget requests in February 2023. Each year, Councilmembers have an opportunity to identify priorities for consideration during the city's budget process, and I made sure my requests focused on tangible improvements for the 4th District. At that time, the Parks Tax had not yet been proposed to voters, so I sought funding through the city's regular budget process.

The FY 2024 budget was passed in July 2023, and the Mayor included the courts in the General Fund. From that point, the project entered the city's normal process for design, procurement, construction, and completion. The city already had more than 60 projects underway that had been funded through federal ARPA funds, which carried a deadline for the city to expend those funds. Those projects necessarily took priority as the city worked to meet the federal deadline, contributing to the time it took for the Belleau Wood courts to reach construction. I left office January 2025, but the project continued through that process. Construction began July 2025 and was completed in Spring 2026.

I was especially pleased to return for the ribbon cutting with the Mayor and members of the Belleau Wood Neighborhood Association, June 2026. The completed courts now provide a new recreational amenity for the neighborhood and surrounding 4th District residents.

2. Meadowbrook Park Parking Lot Paving - 

The deteriorated parking lot at Meadowbrook Park had become a concern for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, who reached out to me about its condition. I made paving the parking lot one of my three district-specific requests for the FY 2025 budget, submitting the request in February 2024. At that time, the Parks Tax had not yet been proposed to voters, so I sought funding through the city's regular budget process to address a need that residents had brought directly to me.

The +FY 2025 budget was passed in July 2024, and the parking lot was funded through the General Fund. The project was subsequently placed in the city's project pipeline. Because the city already had more than 60 projects underway that had been funded through federal ARPA funds, those projects had to be completed and the funds expended by the federal deadline before other projects could move forward. Meadowbrook Park's parking lot was ultimately completed in June 2026, after I had left office.

The newly paved parking lot provides a safer, more functional entrance to Meadowbrook Park and improves access for the surrounding neighborhoods and everyone who uses the park.

3. Veterans Park Dog Park Shade Shelter -  

In 2023, Waterford residents, led by Brian Poe, erected a large tent to provide shade for people using the benches next to the Veterans Park Dog Park. The City removed the tent because it was not a permitted permanent structure and raised safety concerns. Residents came to me upset about its removal, and I explained that while the need for shade was legitimate, the solution needed to be something Parks and Recreation could provide in a permanent and safer way. I promised them I would work to get it taken care of.

I worked with Councilwoman Kathy Plomin to find a way to fund a permanent shelter, which was ultimately approved as a Fund Balance item in October 2024. The shelter was installed in March 2026, providing the shade and gathering space residents had been asking for.

4.  Flashing Stop Signs at Redding Road & Laredo Drive - 

During my term, surrounding residents, the principal, and the PTA at Lansdowne Elementary brought concerns to me about traffic and pedestrian safety along Redding Road. I had already worked to improve safety in the area by having yellow curbing refreshed and extended around the school and at nearby intersections. I also developed a broader plan for additional safety improvements along Redding Road and used 4th District Capital Funds to address a priority at Redding Road and Laredo Drive. Three flashing stop signs were installed at the intersection to increase visibility for drivers and pedestrians.

The flashing stop signs were completed after I left office, but the project was funded and set in motion during my term in response to concerns raised by the surrounding neighborhood and Lansdowne Elementary community.

5. Speed Feedback Sign: Reinforcing the 25 MPH Speed Limit Change on Camelot Drive- 

After working to reduce the speed limit on Camelot Drive from 35 mph to 25 mph, I used 4th District Capital Funds to request and fund additional signage to reinforce the new speed limit. A speed feedback sign was planned for the section between the two Lenney Drive intersections, traveling from Wilson Downing Road toward Belleau Wood Drive, along with an additional 25 MPH speed limit sign.

The equipment had to be obtained by Traffic Engineering, so the speed feedback sign was installed after I left office. Today, it gives drivers an immediate visual reminder of both the 25 MPH speed limit and their actual speed as they travel through this residential area.

6. Speed Feedback Signs: Reinforcing the 25 MPH Speed Limit Change on Tiverton Way- 

After working to reduce the speed limit on Tiverton Way from 35 mph to 25 mph, I used 4th District Capital Funds to fund two speed feedback signs, one for eastbound traffic and one for westbound traffic. The signs were intended to reinforce the new 25 MPH speed limit and give drivers an immediate visual reminder of their speed as they travel through the residential area.

The signs had to be ordered by Traffic Engineering and were installed after I left office. They are another example of a project I funded and set in motion during my term that continued through the city's process and was completed afterward.

7. Harvard Drive & Tiverton Way Traffic and Pedestrian Safety-  

I used 4th District Capital Funds to make a series of traffic and pedestrian safety improvements at Harvard Drive and Tiverton Way. The improvements included an enhanced pedestrian crosswalk, refreshed left- and right-turn lane markings, an extended double-yellow centerline around the curve on Harvard Drive, and refreshed and extended yellow curbing throughout the area. These changes improve visibility, clarify traffic movements, and help keep areas used by pedestrians and turning vehicles clear.

The improvements were funded and set in motion during my term and completed after I left office. They are another example of the practical infrastructure improvements that can make a meaningful difference in everyday safety for residents.