As elections approach, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners reflected at the ANC meeting Tuesday night on the progress made in the relationship between students and non-student residents of Georgetown. Several Commissioners, including Chairman Peter Pulsifer and both student Commissioners Justin Wagner (CAS ‘03) and Justin Kopa (CAS ‘03) will not be running for re-election.
Community relations have been a source of tension in the past, but Wagner said that great strides have been taken toward uniting the community during his two-year term on the ANC.
Commissioner Len Levine agreed and challenged the ANC to continue to work with the ever-changing student body.
Wagner and Kopa are the only students on the eight-member ANC 2E, which covers Georgetown and Burleith and represents citizens’ concerns to other government bodies.
Three students are running for spots on the ANC in the elections this Tuesday. Mike Griffin (CAS ‘05) and Eric Lashner (CAS ‘05) are running against one and two non-student candidates respectively, while Mike Glick (CAS ‘05) is running as a write-in candidate in a district composed entirely of students.
Wagner reviewed the successes the community has had in building relationships between students and non-student residents over the past two years.
Dialogue has increased, he said, not only through the ANC, but also the Alliance for Local Living, Campaign Georgetown, the Georgetown University Student Association and various citizens’ associations.
Wagner also noted an increased level of respect between students and non-student residents, due in part to efforts of the University to more strictly enforce trash and noise violations.
Vice President for Student Affairs Juan Gonzalez said that the University has been proactive in working with the community.
“We’ve been attentive to reporting data to the ALL and the ANC. Our relationship with the Metropolitain Police Department has improved,” he said.
MPD patrols the Prospect Street area more heavily on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at the request of neighbors, according to Gonzalez.
The establishment of the Student Neighborhood Assistance Program hotline is another factor in improving community relations, Wagner said.
The SNAP hotline is staffed by Department of Public Safety officers who field calls from residents with complaints about student conduct. On weekend nights, these complaints are forwarded to Student Affairs staff who investigate to see if further action is necessary. If the call is placed during the week, DPS forwards it to MPD.
“The goal is to provide a service to both the students and the community,” Associate Dean of Students Jeanne Lord said.
Wagner also stressed the importance of New Student Orientation, a required program for all new students to the University.
“We want to arm new members of the community to be successful?living in partnership,” Wagner said.
Students and non-students have shared concerns, such as public safety, Wagner said. And despite the concerns of students regarding restrictions placed on the University by the Board of Zoning Adjustment, Wagner pointed to the positive aspects, like the increase in the number of GUTS buses that run.
Wagner referred to University-community relations as a top priority during his term.
“There’s nothing I’m more proud of,” Wagner said.
Gonzalez said that Wagner and Kopa have a good track record and have been attentive to the needs of all their constituents.
Student candidates have worked during their campaigns to overcome a perceived divide between homeowners and students.
“Ultimately we live in a community and all should be accepted as equal members,” Gonzalez said.
Current student candidates will have to appeal to neighbors and prove that they can listen to all sides in order to be elected, he said.
“I really encourage students to vote, look at options and make the best decision,” Gonzalez said.
