After scheduling two extra hearings on GW’s 20-year Campus Plan, the Zoning Commission conducted the application’s final hearing Thursday and expects a decision early next year.

The 20-year Campus Plan asks for increased floor space at the center of campus in exchange for removing GW property on the edges of campus from possible construction sites. Although the current agreement between the University and Foggy Bottom residents does not expire until 2010, administrators have been working on a more comprehensive plan to last until 2025.

The University has been involved in the approval process for the Campus Plan with the city since April. Commissioners said they expect to reach a decision on the Campus Plan application in January.

Extra hearings were scheduled to give all parties time to present public testimony. There were also concerns about a traffic study by the D.C. Department of Transportation.

Louis Katz, GW’s executive vice president and treasurer, made a closing statement on behalf of the University at Thursday’s hearing. He said the proposed campus plan is a strong benefit to GW, the city and Foggy Bottom.

“We will not let our students down. We will continue to further the institution to further our reputation as a world-class research university,” he said. “The collective community-based planning effort provided an opportunity to provide a balanced plan to accommodate all stated needs.”

Tracy Schario, GW’s director of Media Relations, said the University has successfully advocated the benefits of the new Campus Plan over the past three month of hearings. “We accomplished our agenda.”

-Kaitlyn Jahrling and Robert Parker