Sept. 25, 2001

GW, West End Reach Agreement On E Street Project

University, Neighbors Join Together to Provide Amenities

By Jane Lingo

An agreement between the University and the West End Citizens Association has resulted in a joint appeal to the DC Zoning Commission to alter the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the property located at 1757 E St., thus potentially clearing the way for the completion of the 331,000-square-foot Elliott School of International Affairs project. The request was considered at an Aug. 21 meeting before Board Chair Carol Mitten and fellow board members James Hanahan, Anthony Hood, and Peter May. The request seeks to modify the PUD that conveyed with the purchase of the property, to clarify the acceptability of certain design changes and academic uses of the building, as well as to address community issues raised by the West End Citizens Association.

The joint effort was the result of an agreement negotiated by GW Senior Counsel Charles Barber, together with West End Association representatives Barbara Kahlow and Sara Maddux, and West End President Jack Batham. In exchange for the association’s support, GW would include approximately 3,300 square feet of retail space in the residence hall and academic complex.

The terms of the agreement further provide that GW would: make available another 1,700 square feet of retail space in Mitchell Hall at 514 19th St.; contribute $500,000 to a nonprofit foundation for free or reduced-charge meals for the elderly poor or homeless at Sholl’s Cafeteria at 1990 K St.; restrict occupancy in the new dormitory to juniors, seniors, graduate, and honors program students; hold construction hours to 7 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday; and restrict the times of truck deliveries at the E Street building’s loading dock.

Additionally, in an Aug. 17 letter to Batham, the University promised to establish a policy that freshmen and sophomores living in the Foggy Bottom-West End area are not to bring cars to school. The letter acknowledged, however, that neither GW nor the West End Association has full enforcement authority of such a policy.

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (2A) representatives, who declined to participate in negotiations on the project, oppose the efforts of the West End Association and the agreement reached with the University, noting the agreement is not entitled to the “great weight,” that is afforded by law to ANC recommendations.

It is expected the public hearing will be in late October. It has been possible for the contractor to keep on working because the Board of Zoning Adjustment stayed the effect of its July order, which had granted an appeal of the building permit issued last December.

 

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