ON THE CAMPUS PLAN:

Michael Thomas, Foggy Bottom Association president

“I think there are a number of ways we could have reached a resolution that would have been acceptable, but all of them would have to address what (the campus plan) order addresses – a structural issue, which is enrollment. When we couldn’t reach agreement the BZA had to do the best it could and it came out with a pretty strong order. What remains to be seen is how we’re going to go about enforcing it.”

“There are going to be a couple of joint efforts between the University and the neighborhood. Setting up the Foggy Bottom-student alliance is probably one of the neater things we’ve done this year. Once we get over this current fight that we’re in, hopefully that will be a means of clearing the air and addressing issues ahead of time.”

ON STUDENT BEHAVIOR:

Olga Corey, FBA board member

“I have seen an enormous change in behavior patterns. For one thing, we just figured calling the police is not what you need to do, you just go talk to someone. You smile, you reach out, it’s not that complicated.”

“I find there’s a very positive reaction to the community’s goals and certain members of the community. (Students) live here and they’re our neighbors, and the best way for neighbors to get along is to talk to each other. Foggy Bottom is 236 years old. They’re not going to leave, they’ve been around a long time.”

ON COLUMBIA PLAZA:

Dorothy Miller, ANC Commissioner and Columbia Plaza resident

“(GW and the Columbia Plaza Tenants Association) don’t really have a relationship. Columbia Plaza was built by federal funds to re-establish rational housing to people who pay taxes. (GW does) not belong in this building. It was put here for moderate-income residents of the District of Columbia. Students are not residents of the District of Columbia.”

“Your whole purpose of being at college is to stay on campus and shoot the rag with everyone about how to solve the problems of the world, and play bridge ’til you fall asleep. People who have lived here for 28 years or so have to move out because they can’t take the noise or the hassle.”

ON GW EXPANSION:

Ellie Becker, Foggy Bottom News editor, FBA vice president

“GW could be more aware that they are in a city and in a neighborhood. My concern is for the neighborhood. The expansion of GW particularly as far as numbers are concerned is preventing people who want to live in the city, want to contribute to the city and make this neighborhood their home from living here. If a neighborhood doesn’t have people who want to contribute and make it their home, you won’t have a good city. And this should be the best city.”

“I respect most of the University, but I’m not sure some people in the University respect the neighborhood.”

-Kate Stepan