ANC2E April Meeting Highlights

The Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC2E) meeting Monday did not hold many surprises, but delivered helpful updates for on community projects underway and future developments in the works. Check back later today for updates on the O and P Streets construction project and the leiutenant's crime report.

University Updates

The hot point of the evening came once again between the University and the community as Georgetown discussed plans to renovate Nevils hall in an expedited time period over the summer break.

The University proposed construction shifts beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 11 p.m. on weekday and beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. on weekends. Additionally there would be two dumpster pickups and replacements at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. The bulk of the work would take place inside the building, though chutes would carry debris to dumpsters on the street below. According to the University, the "noisy" work would occur in the first three weeks of construction.

The ANC and neighbors raised concerns about noise, hours of operation and construction traffic. The University agreed to have trucks come through and leave through the University grounds. Additionally, after some pressure, University representatives said they would work with the construction company to see if a later start time could be arranged.

The renovations were not part of the plan, but GU discovered asbestos in the building and opted to make additional structural repairs on the building which has not seen any significant renovations since the 1980s.

Additionally, the ANC decided not to make any changes or additional statements in response to the University's updates to the campus plan. Recent filings included what the University termed "concessions" to the community, such as promising an additional 250 units of housing and a lower student body cap at 15,000 (down from 16,500). Commissioner Ron Lewis said "I don't believe it makes any difference." The the plan as submitted.

Development Update

• : In response to request from the ANC, the Old Georgetown Board (OGB) and the National Park Service (NPS) the architects and developers, EastBanc, Inc., updated the design for this residential project cum ground flood retail. One of the most apparent changes is the materials, which now include a mixture of brick and stone, rather than the previous all-stone facade. Additionally, the team simplified the massing, reduced the pent house height and addressed concerns of design relating to the canal.
• : In response to OGB staff recommendations the architects narrowed the front bays, changed the materials to brick and sandstone with glass and have created three separate smaller penthouses instead of one large unit. Despite EastBanc, the developer, and the architect's efforts to adjust the design, the neighbors continue to strongly oppose the height of the development for the affect it has on their views of the river and likely on their property values. 
• 1640 Wisconsin Ave.: The African Union Mission presented plans for a seal on the side of the building and a flag pole in the adjacent garden. The ANC uniformly opposed the seal, which would measure six feet in diameter, and approved the flag pole.
• 1059 Thomas Jefferson Street: The future home of , currently on Wisconsin Avenue, would include a rear terrace garden viewable from the C&O Canal. The ANC supports the project generally, but raised concerns about the affect of the project on the Canal.