April 2, 2002
Making Things More Amenable
GW Outlines Amenities Package Aimed at Gaining Final
Approval for Elliott School Building
By Greg
Licamele
With an April 19 Zoning Commission hearing about the new Elliott School
of International Affairs project on the horizon, GW has specifically
outlined its public amenities package in an effort to gain final approval
to move into the building. Charles Barber, GW’s senior counsel,
says the five-member commission has given a strong indication it may
approve the project if it is satisfied with the University’s public
amenities, bringing nearly two years of legal battles to an end.
“They have indicated in their oral discussions in last month’s
meeting they are not opposed to modifications in design and use we had
proposed,” Barber says. The University was expecting the project
to be approved at the March meeting, but commissioners raised concerns
about the public amenities GW was offering.
The Zoning Commission has required public amenities for construction
of the 1957 E St. facility under the zoning regulations governing development
on the site. The University had previously identified a set of amenities,
but the commission wanted more specifics and a consideration of enhanced
amenities.
In response, GW has provided more specifics on the $500,000 donation
of a food program for the poor and aged in Foggy Bottom. Barber says
GW has filed articles of incorporation for a nonprofit DC corporation
that will supervise and guide the program.
In addition to the $1.5 million dollar donation, GW previously had proposed
a package of amenities, including adding retail space in the new Elliott
School and Mitchell Hall; restricting truck traffic during rush hour;
and limiting the residential units to upper class and honors students.
In a recent filing, GW enhanced those package of amenities.
If the commission grants approval, the Elliott School will become part
of the overall Campus Plan and extend the boundaries of the University.
The facility comprises eight levels of academic facilities, residence
hall space, and three levels of parking for 200 vehicles. The academic
spaces vary for teaching in a multitude of venues including theater/auditorium
spaces, seminar rooms, classrooms, and offices. The residential component
consists of one, two, and three bedroom suites (193 beds), common areas/recreation
space, and retail space. The facility is expected to be ready later
this year.
The commission will consider the new amenities package at the April
19 meeting. The public will have an opportunity to respond in writing
prior to the meeting. Barber says the University’s relationship
with representatives of the West End Citizens Association about this
project has been cordial and productive, resulting in an original deal
in August. Barber also says he has contacted the Foggy Bottom Advisory
Neighborhood Commission (ANC) about the amenities since last year, but
they were not interested in negotiating.
“We tried to structure a deal with all parties, including the ANC,”
Barber says, “but the ANC has not expressed a desire to negotiate
on this project.”
After the request by the Zoning Commission for further amenities, Barber
met with the West End Citizens Association. He also sent a letter to
the ANC soliciting their ideas.
“I don’t know if I’ll get anything, but I opened the
door and made the offer,” Barber says.
In Other Pending Action:
• The Campus Plan process still remains in litigation. GW revived
its federal lawsuit against the District in January after the BZA ruled
GW must house 70 percent of its full-time undergraduate population on
campus, and cannot count existing housing one-to-two blocks from campus.
The order potentially threatens the University’s academic mission,
students’ rights, and the admissions process. In January, GW filed
a motion for summary judgment to expedite the case for a final decision.
The court has yet to act, following a March 7 hearing.
• A proposal to extend the hours and expand the membership of the
Lerner Family Health and Wellness Center will be filed this spring,
Barber says. Currently, the building is open until 10 pm (8 pm on Sunday)
and is restricted to GW faculty, staff, and students. “We’ve
heard from a number of residents and people in the community who would
support (extended hours and expanded membership),” Barber says.
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu
