The Advisory Neighborhood Commission came through for Georgetown in a big way last week when it approved plans to build a multisport complex and new business school building in the middle of campus. The approval marks a rare and encouraging moment of cooperation in a relationship that has historically been tense, competitive and often downright combative.
ANC approval, though not required by law, is practically a prerequisite for approval by the District Zoning Commission, according to Georgetown Vice President for Facilities and Student Housing Karen Frank. If approved by the zoning board on Nov. 28, the University will have cleared the last hurdle in its bid to revitalize the athletic program and the McDonough School of Business.
Relations between the two camps have not always been so easy. ANC Commissioners have repeatedly raised questions about the university’s 10-year plan, disputing enrollment increases, noisy construction and the increasing influx of cars to the parking garage in the Southwest Quad. Last year, the Commission delayed approval for new lighting on N and O streets until two students were assaulted in the dark.
Little of the earlier rancor between neighbors and the university, however, could be found last Tuesday night, as university officials presented their development plan. Commissioners asked several very valid questions about noise and traffic, then unanimously passed a recommendation of approval to the zoning board.
Commissioners reasonably rejected plans to affix a glitzy marquee to the new Royden B. Davis performing arts center and reminded the University of its promise in its 10 year development plan to reduce traffic congestion in the neighborhood by not scheduling sporting events during the morning and evening rush hours. University officials also assured relieved residents that the area’s parking problems would be further alleviated by the construction of two new underground parking garages in a new complex in mid-campus.
The exchange was a heartening model of compromise within a complex town-gown relationship. Georgetown administrators should be praised for consulting neighbors at each step in a series of very big changes to our neighborhood, while ANC commissioners deserve recognition for accepting the possibility of more congestion and noise in order to allow Georgetown to make the best of a compact campus.
