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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

The tax revenue argument is nonsense, and ignores the tremendous economic impact that not-for-profit entities (which generally are not taxpaying) have in DC.  Indeed without such institutions, DC would have a far flatter economy that it has today.  Look, I get that there are some externalities and negative effects of larger institutions like private schools on surrounding neighborhoods, and those issues (traffic, parking, etc) can and should be managed through the zoning process, binding agreements and so forth.  But independent schools also directly bring economic activity through taxpaying staff, vendors and others, and may positively impact real estate values (which then pay more in taxes).  Their parents may bring their high incomes also, which then get taxed in DC rather than MD or VA>  It's no secret, for example, that the presence of so many nearby independent schools creates a certain level of demand for Cleveland Park houses, as parents get tired of the daily drive (or twice daily drive) from Potomac, North Bethesda and Va. and move in to the area so that their kids can be closer to their schools.  Georgetown Day's consolidation/expansion will contribute to this effect in the nearby area.[/quote]

This is pure fantasy. Proximity to elite private schools has almost nothing to do with Cleveland Park desirability. Factor the incredible, historic housing stock with proximity to downtown and the metro as elements much more conducive than being close to the Cathedral, NCRC or Sidwell.

The tax factor is real. Had the mixed-use developments proposed by Martens and Safeway gone forward, there would have been millions of dollars per year coming into the District in the form of property taxes and income taxes. With the increased residential density would have come more support for interesting retail.  Instead, much of the land will revert to a non-profit that is exempt from taxes, and the neighborhood will endure not one, not two, but three schools on the site. What is that, about 1000 kids?

Let's translate that. Right now, there are about 300 kids coming to the campus, so maybe 200-225 cars, plus faculty and staff.  Put that at 3x with the prospects of closing 42nd Street. So how will all of those cars access the site, particularly given the peak period turn restrictions off River Road?  That is not a welcoming amenity for the neighborhood.

The taxpaying staff, vendors and others are likely not DC residents. Sure a few of them might be, but most faculty and staff of these schools live in the suburbs.

It is also highly unlikely people will move closer to the neighborhood because they get tired of the commute. They will continue to their jobs in Tyson's and Rockville and have their Nannys continue to drive.

It takes logical contortions of epic proportions to consider this as a benefit to the neighborhood. It is rather funny that one of the staunchest NIMBYs in the neighborhood has already supported the proposal, but alas, her daughter is a GDS student - big surprise.

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