American University is on trial — at least, its Campus Plan is. On Oct. 6, the D.C. Zoning Commission held the fifth of six scheduled hearings primarily dedicated to AU’s proposed expansions. Ultimately, these will culminate in a decision that could either give the University a green light to pass out construction helmets or significantly curtail its spacious ambitions.
When the nearby Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3E announced its official position on the AU Campus Plan before the zoning commissioners, it offered a mixed review: approval of the construction of North Hall and expansion of Nebraska Hall, but the rejection of moving the Washington College of Law to Tenley Campus.
To be sure, the partial approval of the Campus Plan sets forth building blocks that AU officials can gather to compose satisfactory compromises with residents and the Zoning Commission.
Nevertheless, the rejection of moving the law school to Tenley Campus is a perplexing and consequently frustrating one.
AU has been consistent and clear in its reasons for moving WCL. Tight on space and well removed from public transportation, the school has outgrown its current site. A more Metro-accessible campus, coupled with the space needed to effectively conduct classes, should foster the well-earned image of WCL as a top-notch law school in a city that revolves around the law.
The benefits of relocating to Tenley are not limited to WCL alone. This locale is more integrated within a commercial area, likely increasing the positive economic impact of law school students.
Not all residents have overlooked this benefit either. At a town hall last year, local resident Tom Hier commented on moving WCL to Tenley, stating “anything that we can do to get the University out into the community and more a part of our community is something I support.”
Residential opposition to WCL’s move to Tenley Campus can largely be organized around one theme: traffic. While this issue has persistently been raised, it can be shown to be largely unfounded.
Law students are more likely to be commuter students, raising concerns of a gridlocked Tenley Circle. Neighbors imagine thousands of law students running red lights and speeding through school zones as they attempt to make it to class.
Moreover, recent parking violations near the current law school campus have crept over 600. Tenley residents have concluded that when the law school arrives next door, so will an influx of students parking in the neighborhood.
Yet the D.C. Department of Transportation has insisted that moving WCL to Tenley, one block from the Tenleytown Metro station, would significantly reduce the number of students driving to school. And with fewer cars comes fewer needed parking spaces. DDOT has even approved AU’s Campus Plan in full, and this paper has seen no reason to second-guess the traffic assessments of transportation experts.
This isn’t the first time The Eagle has editorialized about the community’s reception of the AU Campus Plan. And unless the derisive contention that has typified discussions of the plan abates, it won’t be the last. Whether it is the law school move or the expansion to East Campus, we would implore our neighbors to take a deep breath and listen to the University explanations that accompany its Campus Plan. More often than not, they make sense for everyone. ? E
Send all responses and reactions to edpage@theeagleonline.com.
