Photo by philliefan99.

The City Paper reports on a development that will fascinate both homeowners along Georgia Avenue and streetcar-watchers across the city — the planned redevelopment of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center might push plans for a streetcar up the commercial corridor higher on the city’s list of priorities. Writes Lydia DePillis:

Right now, the line from the Petworth to the Takoma metro stops is in Phase 2 of the still-entirely-conceptual overall system plan. But at [last night’s] Walter Reed Local Redevelopment Authority Committee meeting, director Eric Jenkins said they’re considering moving it up into Phase 1, along with tracks from Union Station to Washington Circle and up 14th Street, over to Georgia Avenue, and up to the Petworth metro stop. That may have just gotten a little easier, with the Anacostia line having been delayed by complications with the 11th Street Bridge.

It’s worth noting that Phase 1 does include a streetcar line running up to the Georgia Avenue Metro station, but under this plan the Phase 2 extension further north would be fast-tracked.

Of course, there’s still plenty of work to be done, and the first leg of what will eventually be a 37-mile streetcar network isn’t even slated to open until 2013. And if anyone thought the construction on H Street NE was disruptive, just wait until the city starts tearing into Georgia Avenue.