This post was written by Hatchet Staff Writer Danielle Telson.
Local residents voiced concerns about noise related to University construction projects and FoBoGro’s liquor license Wednesday night at a neighborhood meeting.
Foggy Bottom and West End Advisory Neighborhood Commission member Florence Harmon said she would like the see a construction management agreement between the University and the construction company, promising to comply with standards that would avoid disturbing local residents.
“I think it’s the only way you can hold people’s feet to the fire,” Harmon said, adding that though construction might not begin until 7 a.m., workers arrive earlier and the resulting noise travels.
Susan Cora, director of campus planning, said noise issues are addressed in the University’s contract with Clark Construction. When GW receives noise complaints, a representative from the University monitors the site to report early morning noise.
She added that any terms that would be in the agreement are already in the University’s construction contract.
The commission, satisfied with her response, voted to take no action.
Students reported in an informal Residence Hall Association survey last month that the University is not regulating excessive construction noise, prompting more than 500 students to sign the group’s petition urging GW to keep sounds at a minimum the disturbances during morning hours.
Neighborhood activists Barbara Kahlow and Sara Maddux accused FoBoGro costumers of creating noise, especially since the venue extended its hours for liquor sales in August.
“Basically, this is a nuisance property,” Kahlow said. “The noise issues are phenomenal.”
Maddux alleged Kris Hart, an alumnus, broke promises he made during a contentious liquor license approval process, including that he would prevent loitering and keep delivery trucks from double-parking in front of the F Street eatery and grocery store.
Commissioner Florence Harmon asked Kahlow, Maddux and Hart to privately reach a compromise to resolve the complaints.
Hart said he is willing to work on a compromise but does not know of any noise complaints filed about his establishment.
