ANC Officially Objects to Georgetown Campus Plan

The Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC2E) officially passed its report and recommendations that largely criticize and object to the Georgetown University Campus Plan. The ANC statement will be part of the case considered by the Zoning Commission April 14.

Before the Commission voted to object to the GU campus plan, stakeholders had one last opportunity to comment.

Linda Greenan, associate vice president for external relations, spoke on behalf of the University. She said GU is "disappointed" by the ANC's decision because the campus plan is "very modest" and the University "really tried" to work with the community.

"Students have the right to live in the community," said Greenan, adding that the University is "sorry that we're headed in this direction."

Lenore Rubino spoke on behalf of the Burleith Citizens Association, accusing the University of merely offering "bandaid fixes" to widespread problems caused by students. Rubino had harsh words for GU President Jack DeGioia, saying his words are mere "lipservice." The University, she said, is acting like "a stealthy corporate goliath" and shows "contempt" for the community.

The Citizens Association of Georgetown, represented by Jennifer Altemus, also weighed in on the ANC recommendations. About the University's solutions for managing students in the community, Altemus said "all have already been tried and failed. We cannot continue to live like this."

Finally Hao Shen represented DC Students Speak's Georgetown branch. Shen said the ANC's objections and the community's efforts to remove students from the wider neighborhood were "discriminatory" and "contravene the DC Human Rights Act." Students, Shen said, help make Georgetown a "stronger neighborhood."

The ANC voted to approve its report and recommendations that heavily side with community objections to the GU plan, will all voting in favor except GU student and ANC Commissioner, Jake Sticka.