Decision Time for Georgetown Campus Plan

Will Georgetown University have to or housing outside the 20007 zipcode? Have University efforts like the sufficiently addressed community concerns in the eyes of the Zoning Commission?

After a year of hearings, both sides will learn the answers to these and other questions as the Zoning Commission meets Thursday, Feb. 9. The commission will decide if Georgetown can expand its student population and campus as proposed in the university's 10-year campus plan, or if neighbors have presented a sufficient case against the plan.

"We need to learn how to co-exist and hopefully that’s what we’re going to achieve...it’s not going to be easy," said Commissioner Anthony Hood, chair of the Zoning Commission, at the November meeting.

Both sides have indicated a willingness to take the matter to court should the Zoning Commission not find in their favor.

Thursday, the commissioners will debate publicly their views on the matter after nearly a year's worth of meetings and presentations on Georgetown's role in the community. While commissioners have asked questions that gave some indication of their opinions on the plan, Thursday will be the first time each member offers to his or her opinion on the appropriate actions to address the various hopes and concerns of the two sides.

At the end of the evening, the expectation is that the commissioners will vote and offer recommendations that will be compiled into an order for the university. Once that order comes down, GU will have 30 days to draft a campus plan that complies with the commission's decision. Community groups will have the opportunity to comment on the latest plan document and then the commission will issue a final order.

The entire process could take another several months. And even then, ensuing legal battles could extend the debate for months or possibly years.

To learn more about the key players, .