Northwest Georgetown October ANC Update
Welcome to the October Northwest Georgetown ANC update! There is a lot going on, so let’s get right to it!
Streatery Progress
As I’ve discussed in previous updates, the future of the Georgetown streatery program is in some doubt as the Business Improvement District’s (“BID”) permit to run them expires at the end of this year. Earlier this year I reached out to the community to hear what their thoughts were on the program and whether they wanted to see it continue. The message I received was clear: Most people1 like the streateries and want them to continue and would be even happier if they could be improved.
Throughout the summer I have been participating in meetings with my ANC colleagues, BID staff, and others to discuss a path forward for keeping and improving the program. As part of that process, I proposed and got approved a resolution last month that called for the BID to reapply for its permit, citing the benefits of the program, as well as areas where improvements are needed. Since then the BID has submitted its application to continue the program.
This Monday night the ANC will hear the BID’s presentation on its application and the Commission will decide whether to support it or not. I plan again to submit a resolution supporting the application. I think the program has been a clear positive for the community and the BID has put forward a milestone plan that lays out a timeline for addressing the issues that remain.
One key feature of the BID’s application is that it is for two years. Prior permits have been only a single year long. In many meetings with the BID staff, I have heard a convincing argument that the longer term is absolutely necessary for the BID to effectively work towards solving some of the central points of conflict with the program. This is especially true for addressing the aesthetics question. While I have met plenty of people who simply don’t care about the Jersey barriers or plastic decking, for many this is a fatal flaw of the program. For that reason, it is critical that the program pursue a long term solution that does not involve either of these elements. This will take time and it will take money. It’s possible for the program to be improved with just a limited one-year runway, but I believe the statements of the BID staff who say it would dramatically hamper their efforts to improve the program. Therefore I feel comfortable voting to give the BID the longer runway it says it needs.2
I understand that others feel differently on the issue of permit length, including some of my ANC colleagues. I’ll let them speak for themselves, but I want to say while I have reached a different conclusion from them, I respect their reasoning and their right to disagree. We will be discussing this disagreement at our meeting Monday night and we will see which approach carries the votes. But in either event there is a clear agreement across the board: the community wants streateries and wants improvements to boot. Let’s get to work delivering that.
So if you love streateries, loathe them or just like to talk them, come out (or log in) Monday night for the discussion!
Shut Down Impacts
As I write this update, the federal shutdown appears inevitable, starting midnight Saturday. While many of you have been through this rodeo before, I wanted to let everyone else know what they can expect locally from the shutdown.
While the DC government is technically a part of the federal government, thankfully it will not shut down. So trash will still be picked up. Schools will still be open. Jury duty summons must still be answered.
But many features of living in DC rely directly on the federal government. For instance, the Zoo and Smithsonian museums will be closed. National parks will also be closed, which technically includes city parks like Rock Creek or Georgetown Waterfront Park. This might lead to some trash collection issues, although the city has stated that it will step in as necessary.
As for me, I am a federal employee myself. So until this is over, I will actually be even more available to address your issues than I normally am. So please don’t hesitate to reach out if something’s bugging you! 2e02@anc.dc.gov
1729 Wisconsin Ave. Concerns
The property at 1729 Wisconsin Ave has become an increasing problem recently. The last time it was visibly occupied was about ten years ago when Adams National Bank closed. In recent years, the rear of the property has become a hang out spot for teens after school. This use has escalated in intensity in terms of crowd size, drug use, and and other rowdy behavior. The fact that an unlicensed pot shop opened in the basement next door has not helped either.
I have raised this issue repeatedly with MPD to send an officer through periodically to break up the trespassing. I don’t want to see kids getting arrested, but I want even less to see kids getting hurt or killed scaling the back of the building for a Tik-Tok video.
Fortuitously, the building was recently purchased by a small group that hopes to clean up the property and attract solid tenants. Ultimately the best way to scare a group of kids away from a vacant property is to make it not vacant anymore.
To that end, the new owners will be presenting their plans to the ANC next Monday. Part of the plans involve a roof deck. I arranged for a very productive meeting last week between the owner, the architect and several of the neighbors to the east. It was a great opportunity to discuss the on-going issues and the architectural plans.
I anticipate passing a resolution welcoming the investment while also echoing the neighbors’ concerns about aspects of the roof deck. Please come on Monday to learn more about the project and voice your thoughts!
ANC Meeting
The much aforementioned ANC meeting will take place Monday night at 6:30 pm at Visitation School. A virtual option is also available. I expect a lively crowd, given the agenda and the passions over the streateries. I plan to avoid wearing white, not just since it’s after Labor Day but also because rotten tomatoes can stain like the devil.
Events at Volta Park
Wait, there’s more! CAG’s Concerts in the Park is returning this Sunday night at our own Volta Park from 4:30 to 6:30. There will be pizza and ice cream food trucks!
And later this month (October 21st) will be the Friends of Volta Park’s annual fall fest!
Like all big issues, the sentiment was not unanimous. Some people simply hate them and want them gone yesterday. I want to acknowledge that viewpoint but still recognize that there was a strong majority in favor of keeping them both in the responses I received and in the BID’s wider survey.
This is all the Cliff’s Notes version of my reasoning. I’d be happy to discuss it with you more if you’d like!: 2e02@anc.dc.gov.