The Advisory Neighborhood Commission meets just two blocks away from campus at the nearby Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, but many Georgetown students are unaware of the Commission’s influence on campus life. The ANC’s latest proposal—to reroute all GUTS bus traffic onto M Street through the Canal Street entrance—poses an inconvenience to students, but more than that, it brings a larger issue into focus. With virtually all students unaware of the ANC’s monthly doings, the Commission possesses a dangerous amount of freedom to shape life in the Georgetown community. Georgetown students need more active representation in the ANC, and GUSA is exactly the right body to provide this.
Shifting all GUTS traffic through Canal Street would significantly increase travel time for several routes, not to mention moving the location of several bus stops toward the south side of campus. It’s a relatively manageable nuisance for Georgetown’s public transit-deprived students, but the ANC has no legitimate reason to change the buses’ paths. They complain that vibrations caused by noisy GUTS buses rattle the wooden structures of nearby buildings, disturbing the occupants. However, Metro buses—which are significantly larger and louder than most GUTS buses—run down the same streets, and the ANC hasn’t demanded that the city council reroute them. Why not? Because they know that is a battle they won’t win.
The ANC has a history of making unreasonable requests of the Georgetown community. Last year, several members supported an off-campus keg ban for students who rent houses outside the gates, but not for non-University neighbors. Though the Commission holds no real power, it can directly influence the city council. The University, not wishing to alienate the body that governs the District, usually defers to their requests.
Students shouldn’t be so acquiescent. The ANC represents every member of the Georgetown community—even students. Still, it is not easy for students to get involved, especially since attending meetings is the only way to get information on the ANC’s activities. This is exactly the kind of issue that should be handled by GUSA, a body which professes to represent student interests. GUSA President Pat Dowd should either personally attend ANC meetings or send someone in his stead. GUSA’s weekly events email could then include updates on neighborhood affairs, keeping students abreast of issues that matter to them but of which they would otherwise be oblivious.
Georgetown students are notoriously enthusiastic about politics, but few take an active role in neighborhood affairs. Getting involved in the ANC is a perfect way for burgeoning politicos to show their chops—and ensure that students’ voices will be heard.
