The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC ) met live and virtually for its monthly meeting on June 24th at Eastern Market (225 Seventh St. SE). Chair Chuck Burger reported on the status of the redevelopment of the Rumsey Aquatic Center and its impact on Eastern Market.
Burger said the redevelopment of the neighboring Rumsey Aquatic Center is a work in progress. “I hope things may be moving very quickly,” Burger added.
Among the changes or “adaptions” EMCAC recommended to plans are that the alley between the Market and Rumsey Center to be expanded; the planters replaced with bollards; all lighting moved to outside walls; adding more pedestrian space; and a creative opening of the Rumsey Center plaza to accommodate outside events.
Burger also proposed the formation of a new committee to examine and assess any changes or updates to the by-laws as well as any updates and corrections to legislative language, pointing out that it had been nearly twenty five years since the by laws and legislative changes had been looked at.
After a very brief discussion the motion was adopted unanimously.
Market Manager’s Report
Market Manager Barry Margeson reported that fiscal year (FY) 2026 revenue for the year to date (YTD) is $664,691. FY25 YTD revenue was $686,555, so this is slightly down. Expenses are $620,679.
In the meantime revenue from the North Hall is up. Rentals for the space are the source of revenue growth for the market. Revenue for FY2026 was $226,125 compared to FY25 $231,6605. North Hall revenue for May 2027 was $20,550.
New budget language has quietly been inserted into the revenue and budget conversation with a request by Margeson that the difference between each fiscal years budget versus the realized revenue or surplus be left in control of EMCAC. That was the previously the case when finances went through the now dormant Enterprise Fund.
Although Margeson stated that this figure could be used to pay expenses that otherwise would fall to the Department of General Services (DGS), most of the surplus accessed or $70,000 would be spent on marketing.
Margeson added that he has requested “access to the budget surplus and is waiting for a response.”
Peter J. Waldron is a long time resident of Capitol Hill and previously served as Chair of ANC6B. Waldron can be reached at peter218@prodigy.net.
This story has been updated.
