Monday, September 8, 2025
The eyes of the world were on Washington, D.C., the past four weeks as President Trump deployed National Guard troops from several states to help quell what he called “out of control” crime on the streets and in the parks of our city. So it was no wonder that the Georgetown, Burleith and Hillandale Advisory Neighborhood Commission spent some time during its Sept. 2 meeting talking about crime in Georgetown and the expanded federal presence in the District.
Crime and the Federal Surge?
The crime news was basically good. According to Metropolitan Police Department 2nd District Cmdr. Tatjana Savoy, the statistics show that crime in Georgetown decreased in almost every category, with zero reported robberies and assaults during the past month. The only real increase was in thefts from autos.?The overall crime rate was down about seven percent from this time last year, with an 88-percent decrease in violent crime.???
Thefts from autos continue in parking lots and around S Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Direct evidence is hard to obtain, MPD Capt. Darren Haskis noted. “We had one report from a witness sitting in a car two cars away from the one whose windows were smashed and didn’t see it happen.” But the police depend on getting good data — fast reporting, possibly with evidence such as a photo. It seems a good proportion of the thefts occur in cars with out-of-state plates, whose drivers aren’t as aware of the need to keep items out of sight.?
The surge of federal law enforcement did not appear to be unwelcomed by MPD officers. “Obviously, we had an existing need to work with federal partners, to work alongside with them,” said Savoy. “The D.C. police chief can’t speak to the federal officers’ needs … especially as we plan to jointly take on other crimes, such as human trafficking.”?
According to reports from both Mayor Bowser’s and Council member Brooke Pinto’s spokespeople, the president has authority over the local police during a declared 30-day emergency; the current one ends Sept. 10. Then, MPD Chief Pamela Smith will be fully back in charge, although the president can keep the national troops deployed as needed.?
The commissioners planned to send a letter to the mayor, “Asking for Clarification on her Tuesday September 2nd Mayor’s Executive Order and Its Impact on Maintaining the District’s Independent Agencies.”?
Fall Events?
Fall is also a time of renewed local activities, such as Georgetown Main Street’s Art All Night on Sept. 12 along Wisconsin Avenue. Trees for Georgetown’s annual garden party will take place on Sept. 14 at a private home; the Citizens Association of Georgetown will hold its annual fundraiser on Sept. 18 on the Sequoia; and the Friends of Rose Park will celebrate the park’s 100 birthday at a gala fundraiser on Sept. 25 at a private home in the Washington Harbour.
Downtown Workers?
Georgetown and D.C. are expecting more robust business this coming year, according to the mayor’s report to the ANC. Many government workers are returning to on-site work in downtown offices.?
DC Water Work?
DC Water representatives talked about the Small Diameter Water Main Replacement Project, which involves the replacement of existing 12-inch and smaller cast-iron water mains in various locations to help improve water quality and system reliability, increase water pressure in some areas and maintain adequate flows. The scope of the work includes: installation of approximately 8,500 linear feet of four-inch to 12-inch water mains; replacement of service lines, including free private-side replacement of lead and galvanized iron pipe; replacement of fire hydrants and valves; and restoration of all surfaces disturbed by the project upon completion.??
Crews have already started on P Street and 29th Street and will continue along P to 32nd Street. In spring of 2026, expect crews along Wisconsin Avenue and Volta Place. For more information, contact DC Water Project Manager John Ingle at 202-313-1541 or john.ingle@dcwater.com.
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Streets, Parking Affected by GU Projects?
Georgetown University students are back with full fall agendas even as campus infrastructure projects have necessitated the presence of heavy equipment — with traffic and parking disruptions in front of the campus and on nearby streets. The work will continue in various phases this fall, according to Cory Peterson, associate vice president for community engagement and local government affairs.?
Reconstruction of Ellington Field
The Burleith Citizens Association continues to be concerned about traffic and parking around Ellington Field, now deep in its reconstruction phase. One commenter gave a shout-out to the tall field lights being installed; they seem to be unusually well focused on field activities, with no light hitting nearby residences.?