A coalition of residents in Washington D.C.'s historic Georgetown neighborhood is urging city officials to reconsider zoning regulations that were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group argues that temporary measures, such as expanded sidewalks and outdoor dining areas, have become permanent problems that threaten public safety, accessibility, and the area's unique character.
Five years after emergency permits were issued to help businesses adapt, community activists say the lack of a long-term plan has resulted in cluttered public spaces and a decline in neighborhood manageability. They are now calling on the D.C. Department of Transportation to implement a comprehensive review and restore balance to the community's streets.
Key Takeaways
- Georgetown residents are concerned about pandemic-era zoning changes, including widened sidewalks and "streateries," that remain in place.
- A citizens' coalition, led by activists Elizabeth Miller and Stefanie Scott, is calling for a formal review and reform.
- Primary concerns include sidewalk accessibility, the unregulated use of scooters, public safety on emergency evacuation routes, and the erosion of Georgetown's historic character.
- The D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) is being urged to take action to address these long-standing issues.
Temporary Measures Create Long-Term Challenges
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, municipalities across the country introduced emergency measures to support local businesses. In Georgetown, this included relaxing zoning rules to allow for the creation of "streateries"—outdoor dining spaces in former parking lanes—and the expansion of sidewalks. While initially welcomed as a lifeline for restaurants, some residents now argue these temporary solutions have overstayed their welcome.
Elizabeth Miller, a leader of the local citizens' coalition, described the implementation of these features as disorganized. She points out that the initial rush to adapt has left a lasting, untidy mark on the neighborhood's landscape.
"The widened sidewalks and streateries were put up in a sort of haphazard, slapdash way," Miller stated. "It’s now been five years."
The coalition contends that what began as a short-term fix has evolved into a significant urban planning issue, with little oversight or consideration for its long-term impact on the community.
What Are Streateries?
"Streateries" are outdoor dining areas that repurpose public space, typically parking spots, to allow restaurants to serve customers outside. They became widespread during the pandemic as a way to facilitate social distancing and support the hospitality industry. While popular with many, their permanence has raised questions about public space allocation, accessibility, and traffic flow in dense urban areas like Georgetown.
Accessibility and Public Safety Concerns
A primary focus of the resident group is the effect these changes have had on public mobility and safety. Coalition leader Stefanie Scott emphasized the growing difficulty of navigating the neighborhood's sidewalks, which are now often crowded with dining structures, retail displays, and loosely regulated electric scooters.
"I feel strongly that we can have micro mobility and accessible sidewalks," Scott explained, "but D-DOT is not doing [its] job." The group argues that the D.C. Department of Transportation has failed to enforce existing regulations or develop new ones that account for these modern challenges.
This issue is particularly critical because two of Georgetown's main thoroughfares, Wisconsin Avenue and M Street N.W., are designated emergency evacuation routes for the city. The coalition fears that cluttered sidewalks and roadways could impede a swift and orderly evacuation in a crisis.
Emergency Evacuation Routes: Wisconsin Avenue and M Street N.W. are vital corridors for emergency response and evacuation in the District of Columbia. Obstructions on these routes pose a potential public safety risk, a key point highlighted by the citizens' coalition.
The proliferation of rental scooters left on sidewalks further complicates accessibility, creating obstacles for pedestrians, especially those with disabilities, the elderly, and families with strollers. Residents are demanding a more structured approach to managing these transportation options to ensure sidewalks remain clear and safe for everyone.
Protecting Georgetown's Historic Identity
Beyond the practical concerns of safety and accessibility, the coalition is fighting to preserve the essential character of Georgetown. As a National Historic Landmark district, the neighborhood is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and unique ambiance, which draws tourists from around the world and fuels the local economy.
Activists argue that the makeshift and often aesthetically inconsistent outdoor structures detract from this historic charm. They believe that any permanent changes to the streetscape must be thoughtfully designed and integrated to complement the area's heritage.
"We want to really look at this and make sure that whatever is there fits into historic Georgetown," Miller said, highlighting the need for a deliberate and sensitive approach to urban planning.
Scott echoed this sentiment, stressing the economic importance of maintaining the neighborhood's appeal.
"This is a major destination for tourism. It’s an economic hub, and the historical charm really matters," Scott noted. "It’s what attracts people to Georgetown." The group believes that failing to regulate the public space could, in the long run, harm the very businesses the measures were intended to help by diminishing the neighborhood's appeal.
A Call for Government Intervention
The citizens' coalition is directing its efforts toward prompting action from the D.C. Department of Transportation. They feel that after five years, the city has had ample time to move beyond emergency footing and develop a sustainable, long-term plan for Georgetown's public spaces.
The group's goals are clear: they seek a comprehensive review of all pandemic-era permits related to public space. They want new regulations that balance the needs of businesses with the rights of pedestrians and the requirements of public safety. This includes creating clear rules for streateries, designated parking for scooters, and ensuring that all sidewalks are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
As the debate continues, the Georgetown residents' coalition stands firm in its belief that a reset is necessary. They advocate for a future where commerce, community, and history can coexist harmoniously, guided by thoughtful regulation rather than outdated emergency orders.