Neighborhood Notes - Foxhall: 6 September, 2000

Listed this week is a comprehensive recap of recommendations from community organizations to the BZA on GU Campus Plan regarding MedStar and traffic recommendations.

·         Zoning of north campus does not allow MedStar matter-of-right operation; must be dealt with in appropriate variance or other procedures. 

·         MedStar facilities be limited to new parking garage for approximately 500 vehicles (nearly all underground), and new physician’s office building, with occupancy by 80 physicians and 220 support. Additional 200,000 square feet (planned for 2005-2010) should await plans with greater specificity.

·         No increase in the proportion of transplant and trauma care offered at MedStar.

·         No commercial, for-profit operations should be included in the intended north campus facilities.

·         Helicopter pad capped at increased use of 12 flights per week and reported on quarterly basis.

·         Massing and siting of facilities on Reservoir Rd should be managed to minimize impact on adjoining Cloisters townhomes and streetscape. 

DPW asked to carefully reassess changes in parking allocation proposed in  new MedStar/GU division of 4080 authorized spaces, in light of GU’s acknowledgement of 1100-space deficit for University operations.

Careful articulated program of assessment and mitigation adopted for north campus, east campus, and Canal Road entrance to measure impact of traffic and parking before final BZA order issued, including reports back to BZA with each second-stage project brought forward for approval. 

The major changes in vehicular traffic patterns anticipated in this application, coupled with construction already underway on university and other large projects, require objective assessment before further approvals are given. 

On-campus parking for employees’ private vehicles should not be subsidized for daytime use, other than in carpooling. 

The proposed realignment of 38th Street at Reservoir Road should be rejected until adjacent communities can be satisfied that cut-through traffic will not increase.

© Bob Andrew, Foxhall