Neighborhood Notes - Foxhall: 16 January 2002
There’s a certain tranquility associated with trees, grass, space - -
otherwise known as open land. But lately, spacious lots in the District’s
Northwest corner are vanishing. For example, establishments such as Rock Creek
International School (RCIS), graced by its’ surrounding openness, allows
residents to escape from the suffocating confines and structures of the city.
But for how long?
Daniel Hollinger, head of the RCIS, has plans for the school and property site.
At the last Foxhall Community Citizen’s Association (FCCA) meeting, Hollinger
discussed his expansion plans and was met with a swarm of questions and concerns
from the community. But Hollinger assured residents there was “no proposal at
that time”, as neighbor’s would be alerted to any changes following the meeting.
What the community did not know was several letters from Hollinger had been
circulated to the Office of Property Management and D.C. Public Schools.
Hollinger wrote one letter to Kit Reed, special assistant for the Office of
Property Management D.C. Government, proposing to “purchase 1550 Foxhall Road so
we can build an addition to the building to accommodate our Middle School.” In
fact that same letter written by Hollinger, dated Sept. 5, 2001, ended saying,
“Thank you for your interest in our school and proposal.”
Another letter Hollinger wrote to Michael Lorusso, Deputy Director of the Office
of Property Management, dated Sept. 24, even proposed a need for a “temporary
solution” for “temporary classrooms”. He told Lorusso RCIS plans to steadily add
grades 6, 7, and 8 over three consecutive years starting in 2003, while looking
for a new site to accommodate the middle school.
As expansion proposals lurk in letters, FCCA wanders if Hollinger recalls the
statement and assurance relayed to their organization before the Thanksgiving
holiday. Others fear Hollinger is disinterested in the community’s involvement
with the matter.
Frank Staroba, chair of the steering committee for the Friends of Hardee
organization, was disappointed to learn about the disingenuous message Hollinger
communicated at the November FCCA meeting.
“We would like forthright disclosure of what they’re planning to do,” Staroba
said. “Second, who we are, sympathetic to the welfare of the school, that they
must respect the interest of the community.”
. Erica N Miller, Foxhall
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