Neighborhood Notes - Foxhall: 12 July, 2000

On July 18 the BZA will hear community comments on the GU Campus Plan for 2000 – 2010. Formal presentations will be made by each community association that surrounds GU, under the Party Status we have as of right, as organizations open to residents within our geographic borders, and as entities named in the BZA order for the current 1990 – 2000 plan.

But individuals can still make their opinions on the GU campus plan proposal known by writing to Board of Zoning Adjustment, 441 Fourth St NW Suite 210, Washington DC 20001 or via fax to (202) 727-6072.  (Be sure to cite BZA Application No. 16566 so it gets into the correct file).

 It is your First Amendment right to freely express yourself on any aspect of the plan, which can be seen at the Lauinger Library on campus, Georgetown Public Library, or key items online at www.foxhall.org/#campus. (Follow links to the 27 January draft and the fourteen-slide update given by GU to ANC2E on June 6).

 Architecturally, the classic courtyards and pedestrian access by Robert Stern & Associates are a major improvement over sterile podia proposed 10 years ago. However, the BZA process does not concern itself with that, rather more narrowly with neighborhood impact for Universities to be allowed to grow in residential areas. So, if you exercise your privilege to be heard in writing, focus on identifying where you live and for how long, and identify any GU-related issues you already have (traffic, student/staff parking, group homes, trash, noise, late night parties, roaming drunks etc) in addition to any concerns that additional growth would impact on your lifestyle.

 There are also broader issues on expansion outside campus sites being taken up by the Zoning Commission, Office of Planning and DC Federation of Citizens Associations.

© Bob Andrew, Foxhall