[Onesti Hill] and other teens asked D.C. to provide more youth programming rather than simply ban group gatherings.

Yes instead of "cracking down" maybe try creating (or allowing) a non-alienating and empathic society for young people (and people in general) to participate in, with joyful and meaningful ways to spend time and energy, working together for the benefit of the community and answering people's shared needs

"We took away all the third spaces and now don't like people trying to create their own."

When make teen gatherings illegal don't be surprised when the only teen gatherings are filled with criminals.