(Afro) — D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray’s economic plan for Ward 8, which he announced on June 27, struck a sour note with some of his campaigns supporters. Activists claim Gray quickly abandoned campaign promises to include leaders from the area in key positions to oversee all projects and programs and to be part of the decision-making. At the announcement, Gray called for a one-day summit on July 9 at Savoy Elementary School for the Ward 8 community to meet with cabinet members, agency heads and developers for input into the proposed ventures such as the rebuilding of Ballou Senior High School, several housing projects and a massive development for the U.S. Coast Guard and Homeland Security Department. “There is great enthusiasm in the pipeline of Ward 8 developments. Residents must play a role in shaping these developments,” said Gray.
