ANC Update: Budget, NPS, Hamilton Court
By • April 8, 2024 0 401
The Georgetown-Burleith-Hillandale Advisory Neighborhood Commission met on April 1 at Georgetown Visitation Prep, as well as remotely. Here are some highlights from the monthly meeting.
End of the DC Circulator Bus?
A representative from the Mayor’s Office announced that Mayor Muriel Bowser would submit her fiscal 2025 budget to the District Council. One of the proposals within her “Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, A Fair Shot: Strategic Investments and Shared Sacrifice,” along with cuts and tax hikes, is the complete elimination of the Circulator Bus — with some money possibly left over for community shuttles. Council hearings will continue through May. The main votes on the budget will occur on May 29, on June 12 and at the end of June.
End of Rock Creek Parkway Commuter Lanes?
The main takeaway from the update on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Multimodal Safety and Operational Improvement Plan/EA — that’s the National Park Service acronym for Environmental Assessment — was that the one-way commuter lanes in the mornings and evenings would be eliminated. Thus, Rock Creek Parkway would have two-way lanes all the time. Budgetary constraints on the U.S. Park Police were mentioned; the police close, open and monitor the entrances of the road to allow the current one-way rush hours.
Hamilton Court Renovation
Developers Ezra and Jessica Glass announced the upcoming renovation of Hamilton Court at 1220-1236 31st St. NW. Along with a new wellness massage shop, a new stone gateway will be erected at the sidewalk entrance. Before it was Hamilton Court with offices, it was called Hamilton Arms, where quite a lively group of Georgetowners resided. It even had a swimming pool. Previous tenants included Sally Quinn and The Georgetowner Newspaper.
While that future renovation looks promising, the plans for 1048 29th St. NW, currently a commercial property that holds a garage and offices, got the side eye from commissioners. The owners want a two-story pop-up and penthouse, along with a café that might use the greenery next to the C&O Canal. NPS-owned, that’s not going to happen. These plans will change a lot.
Other Items:
- The Rose Park Farmers Market returns May 1, and a resolution commended 100 years of the Georgetown Garden Club.
- There was a resolution regarding the Georgetown Access and Circulation Study Draft Recommendations.
- The commission approved a resolution regarding “the Mayor’s Proposed FY 25 Budget.” See details at georgetowner.com.
- There was discussion about restricting medical cannabis retailers from locating within 300 feet of any school. If a school is commercially zoned, that restriction is not required.
