Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

ANC Counters Campus Plan

The Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2E released a draft of its report in opposition to Georgetown’s 2010 Campus Plan Wednesday, recommending that the university address issues of undergraduate enrollment and off-campus student life.

The draft resolution’s introduction reiterates the commission’s opposition to Georgetown’s plan, which has been the subject of tense debate in the surrounding neighborhoods since the university began drafting it in 2009.

“We have deep concerns about the plan presented by the university,” the draft states. “The GU plan as proposed would have serious adverse effects on the community and would be highly objectionable.”

The report will be considered Feb. 28 at an ANC meeting, with representatives from the community and the university both set to attend. The report proposes measures including an annual audit of the enrollment cap, restrictions on bus routes and student cars, the elimination of Magis Row and an ultimate goal of housing all undergraduates on campus.

ANC 2E Chairman Ron Lewis wrote the report based on community response, especially opinions voiced at a Jan. 20 ANC meeting.

“I drafted what I think reflects the community’s sentiments,” Lewis said. “I always hope the university will listen harder to the community and respond positively.”

The report lists negative effects Georgetown has had on the community under the previous 10-year campus plan, before making its recommendations.

“We have also learned from long experience that GU cannot be relied upon to control the disruptive off-campus situation through the GU-sponsored off-campus student life program,” the draft states.

Georgetown officials maintain that the university has continued to work to address community members’ concerns.

“Georgetown’s campus plan presents modest, targeted growth opportunities that meet the university’s strategic needs for the future while also reflecting our sustained commitment to the local community,” Director of Media Relations Rachel Pugh said in an email.

ANC Commissioner Jake Sticka (COL ’13) said that he feels many of the draft’s provisions are unfair.

“Some of the specific measures in this resolution go even further than we need to,” Sticka said. “I obviously don’t agree with the majority of what’s in there.”

Sticka is the only Georgetown student on the commission. He said that he expressed his opinions to the other commissioners, but most of them disagree with his views. Though Sticka said that he will vote against the resolution, he believes the other commissioners will support it when it appears on their agenda Monday.

“Based on discussions that we’ve had on the ANC before and gauging the general community opinion, it seems likely that the resolution will pass,” he said.

Sticka added that students, not just residents, should voice their opinions on the report.

“It would be my hope that if any student representatives are present [at Monday’s meeting] that they are also able to comment,” he said.

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