WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Temporary streateries set up around the District could become permanent if owners get a permit.
The DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) has extended the application deadline from July 31 to Nov. 30 to keep the streateries set up in streets under its new program.
“I love sitting outside. I think it’s great,” Claudia Swanson of Salt Lake City, Utah, said as she and her husband Brandon, ate along Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown.
The streateries had been established due to the pandemic.
“It’s a good environment. You don’t have to be close with people to be outside, do your own thing,” Brandon Swanson said.
As part of the temporary Streatery Program, DDOT delivered and installed concrete jersey barriers to food establishments for free. Not now, as barriers will range in price from $250-$800.
“The current streateries, and even the proposed streatereies do not align with the historic nature of Georgetown,” said Brittany Sawyer, the executive director of the Citizens Association of Georgetown.
Her organization opposes making “streateries” permanent.
“They impede the police forces’ response to crime. It erodes sort character,” Swanson said. “It pushes congestion to residential streets, and it sits in an emergency evacuation route.”
Food establishments with a temporary permit in rush hour parking lanes only have until July 31 to keep operating them. DDOT would not say if those owners can apply to make those streateries permanent.
