The D.C. Zoning Commission unanimously voted to approve GW's 20-year Campus Plan last week, nearly one year after the University first submitted the development proposal.
The plan replaces the current agreement between the city and GW on development restrictions and calls for the vertical growth of GW buildings as well as the expansion of Gelman Library, several residence halls and the Marvin Center. The proposal also includes construction of a new science facility and a cancer center.
The commission passed the proposal at a meeting March 12 after delaying voting to approve the plan at a January hearing, when the approval process was slated to begin. The Zoning Commission requested at the January meeting that GW make more specific commitments to the community to compensate the neighborhood for increasing building density, including more measurable community benefits for sustainable development, historic preservation and locally owned retail.
"We're very happy. This is very important for the University," Executive Vice President and Treasurer Lou Katz said about the plan's approval after the meeting.
The Zoning Commission, which has had eight hearings on the plan since September, discussed several amendments the West End Citizens Association proposed for the Campus Plan. The commission did not approve most of the proposed amendments, but agreed to a recommendation from the group that prohibits freshmen and sophomores from bringing cars to campus.
"Administratively, it's going to be more difficult," Katz said, referring to the student vehicle restrictions. "We'll be able to do it, but it's going to be more work for us."
The commission also agreed to a suggestion from the group that calls for the University to help curb excessive noise and underage drinking and to encourage respect for property during a mandatory program for students.
Some community members have consistently opposed GW's development plans and have testified against approving the Campus Plan. Last week's meeting did not include opportunities for members of the audience to give testimony.
The plan replaces the current agreement between the city and GW on development restrictions and calls for the vertical growth of GW buildings as well as the expansion of Gelman Library, several residence halls and the Marvin Center. The proposal also includes construction of a new science facility and a cancer center.
The commission passed the proposal at a meeting March 12 after delaying voting to approve the plan at a January hearing, when the approval process was slated to begin. The Zoning Commission requested at the January meeting that GW make more specific commitments to the community to compensate the neighborhood for increasing building density, including more measurable community benefits for sustainable development, historic preservation and locally owned retail.
"We're very happy. This is very important for the University," Executive Vice President and Treasurer Lou Katz said about the plan's approval after the meeting.
The Zoning Commission, which has had eight hearings on the plan since September, discussed several amendments the West End Citizens Association proposed for the Campus Plan. The commission did not approve most of the proposed amendments, but agreed to a recommendation from the group that prohibits freshmen and sophomores from bringing cars to campus.
"Administratively, it's going to be more difficult," Katz said, referring to the student vehicle restrictions. "We'll be able to do it, but it's going to be more work for us."
The commission also agreed to a suggestion from the group that calls for the University to help curb excessive noise and underage drinking and to encourage respect for property during a mandatory program for students.
Some community members have consistently opposed GW's development plans and have testified against approving the Campus Plan. Last week's meeting did not include opportunities for members of the audience to give testimony.
