ANC Questions Removal of K St. Parking Spots

Traffic flow and the availability of street parking for residents and out-of-town shoppers, diners, moviegoers and guests is always a contentious issue in Georgetown, especially in the increasingly popular waterfront area. The focus this month at the April 3 Georgetown-Burleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E meeting was a proposal by the District Department of Transportation to remove up to 50 metered street-parking spots along K Street and Water Street. 

Removal would allow for a bike lane between 34th Street and 30th Street and possible new bike and tour-bus pickup and dropoff areas, as well as expanded crosswalks. The actual costs would be in the low six figures, reported Will Handsfield, transportation director for the Georgetown Business Improvement District.

Traffic flow would not be altered, but the loss of parking could exacerbate a situation already roiling the area’s hospitality business growth, admitted DDOT planner Benito Perez. Most residents and offices in the area are located in high-rise apartment buildings with dedicated underground parking. However, the majority of customers and visitors from beyond the immediate area are finding walking-distance street parking increasingly unavailable.

The ANC voted unanimously to thank DDOT and the BID for the heads-up about the plans.