Several new Georgetown University programs targeting quality of life issues have already removed 20 tons of trash from the surrounding neighborhood and safely moved 2,500 students off of residential streets on weekend nights.

To address concerns raised by neighbors during the campus planning process, namely that students living outside the campus gates contribute unacceptable noise and trash levels, the University rolled out new resources at the beginning of the school year. 

A daily trash patrol circles the West Georgetown and Burleith neighborhoods, picking up bagged trash not in bins and random furniture on the curb. The patrols hit areas an average of twice a day. The trash is processed at the university in the same manner as on-campus trash, according to Stacy Kerr, the assistant vice president for communications at GU.

According to data provided by GU, the new patrols have collected 20 tons of trash since Aug. 29.

Another effort- one that stemmed directly from neighborhood requests during the campus planning process- is the M Street Shuttle. The shuttle began operating Aug. 25 and since then has safely carried 2,500 students to and from the M Street nightlife corridor.

The shuttle enters and exits campus from Canal Road and travels along M Street where it drops off and picks up students between the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday nights.

It picks students up at M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, at Wisconsin Avenue and K Street, at 31st Street and M Street and at 33rd Street and M Street.

In addition to these new programs, GU has increased its support for a reimbursable detail of extra MPD officers. The university used to provide funding for three officers, but now pays for seven to patrol the neighborhood during peak party hours, according to Kerr. 

To better communicate its efforts, GU is rolling out a new website next week that will provide weekly updates on both the shuttle and the trash patrols, according to Kerr.

Check back with Patch next week for a link to the new site.