The Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2E, covering Georgetown, Burleith, and Hillandale, held a lengthy meeting on Monday, June 2, addressing critical issues stemming from the District’s troubled budget for 2025.
Starting promptly at 6:30 p.m., the meeting’s first segment focused on the newly released official report on streateries and the complex D.C. budget, concluding nearly four hours later at 10 p.m.
The consensus among attendees was clear: while 2024 signaled a strong recovery for Georgetown, 2025 is viewed as a pivotal year marked by significant challenges. The District faced a surprising reduction in its approved budget, initially estimated at a staggering $1 billion. This reduction was later clarified to approximately $400 million due to a misinterpretation of budget rules by Congress.
The budget cuts created major disruptions earlier this year, leading to a new proposal from Mayor Muriel Bowser, which suggested immediate reductions in various programs deemed “important but not core.”
During the meeting, ANC 2E Chair Gwen Lohse raised alarms concerning funding for crucial community projects, such as the rebuilding of the Jelleff Recreation Center and improvements at the Volta Park baseball field, which have been delayed due to ongoing issues with a sinkhole.
Lohse expressed concerns about whether the committed funds would remain available as the mayor’s office promised to revisit the matter and pledged efforts to streamline the completion of these projects.
Meanwhile, progress on other community initiatives was noted. The reconstruction of the track and field at the Ellington School has commenced, along with the addition of public restrooms and meeting spaces within the facility’s field houses.
A notable worry emerged regarding the design of the new lights that will be installed on unusually tall poles, which are intended to enhance visibility during events. While the field is not primarily meant for competitive sports, residents seek written assurances regarding access to the field houses, usage rights, and management of traffic and bus parking around the facility.
In addressing the state of streateries and sidewalk expansions in Georgetown, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) presented its “Proposed Permanent Streatery Guidelines.” These guidelines aim to bolster the safety and aesthetics of outdoor dining and include a framework for the design and approval processes pertaining to streateries in the District.
However, concerns arose regarding the management and practicality of streateries, particularly those that deviate from traditional outdoor dining experiences. Former ANC Chair Tom Birch articulated several recommendations for ensuring that each streatery provides a legitimate outdoor dining service, rather than areas suited for fast food or picnicking.
Birch suggested establishing uniform size limits for streateries, implementing fines for those that infringe upon designated parking spaces, and emphasizing the necessity for DC officials to enforce streatery regulations effectively rather than relying solely on self-regulation.
This segment of the meeting concluded with applause from the attendees, indicating widespread support for Birch’s proposals.
Other topics discussed included the possible exclusion from the D.C. budget of the restoration project for the historically significant Foundry Branch Trolley Trestle located in Glover-Archbold Park. This long-cherished initiative among Georgetown University ANC members has faced challenges, as the trestle is currently at risk of collapse, prompting the issuance of a special permit for its demolition.
Another critical update came from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which plans to revise nearly every bus route in Georgetown. ANC commissioners stressed the importance of maintaining routes that support students, workers, and seniors commuting between downtown D.C. and areas like Chevy Chase via the Key Bridge.
With the budget decisions and potential route changes looming, the ANC 2E aims to remain actively engaged in these matters, stressing the need for ongoing vigilance and advocacy on behalf of the Georgetown community.
image source from：https://georgetowner.com/articles/2025/06/09/packed-anc-agenda-budget-field-projects-streateries/
