Two years ago, I pledged to bring the University and community closer together and to fight for students’ rights. I am happy to report I have delivered on both. I strongly supported the construction of a new GW Hospital. I supported the new SMPA building. I have always said the University should improve and expand its facilities, and every time that was presented, I supported the project.
Unfortunately there is no correlation between a University project and what is good for students. In the case of the campus plan, it is good for no one but the University administration. The plan safeguards only President Trachtenberg’s desire to take over what he wants at will.
While I am happy that graduates take an interest in the issues that affect the campus and community, I am confused as to why Jon Zimmerman would criticize from the sidelines based upon only things he reads in The Hatchet (Commissioner caught in half-truths, Sept. 21). Instead, he should become involved and be a part of the process. He had many opportunities to attend public meetings of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission and attend the Board of Zoning Adjustment hearings; why wasn’t he there to express his views?
Mr. Zimmerman mentioned my use of the term matter of right, which is a legal phrase used to define buildings which can be constructed without review since the land already conforms to some existing zoning classification. The most troubling aspect of this legal nuance, though, is how the University has used this loophole to shield itself from input by both the students and community. To date, matter of right has allowed GW to build at will without reviewing plans with the community. Apparently, this is how the University prefers to work with the community when not forced by law to cooperate with it.
If advocating for students means supporting an increase in the number of students sitting on the floor in classes or without adequate housing, then I did not live up to my promises. However, if you believe supporting students means working to create a plan for manageable enrollment increases, then I delivered what I promised. I am proud of my record on ANC, and as a GW student, you should be, too.
-The writer is a GW graduate (BBA, MS ’00) and commissioner for the Advisory Neighborhood Commission.