Rosedale, Southwest Recreation Centers Would Get More Lighting Under Bowser Crime-Fighting Plan

Criminals would have fewer dark corners to use at two Ward 6 recreation centers under a new proposal from Mayor Muriel Bowser to help fight crime in the District.

The King Greenleaf and Rosedale recreation centers would receive more lighting if the D.C. Council approves Bowser’s fiscal 2015 supplemental budget, which she released yesterday. The budget calls for $1.1 million to install additional lights at the facilities at 201 N St. SW and at 1701 Gales St. NE, as well as at six other recreation centers.

The lighting “will ensure that these centers remain a safe place for residents to congregate” in neighborhoods with “heightened crime,” according to a summary of the plan.

D.C. crime statistics show that 36 armed robberies, assaults with weapons and other violent crimes were reported within 1,000 feet of the Rosedale Recreation Center from Jan. 1 to Sept. 16. During the same period last year, 37 of the crimes were reported.

Within 1,000 feet of the King Greenleaf Recreation Center, 18 violent crimes were reported from Jan. 1 to Sept. 16. The area saw 21 of the crimes during the same period the previous year.

The violent crimes in and around King Greenleaf Recreation Center grounds this year included a daytime shooting that injured a man and shattered glass at the facility.