A boathouse planned along the shore of the C&O National Historical Park is sparking intense debate between Georgetown University and a local oppositional group Defenders of Potomac River Parkland.
Both GU and the Defenders are awaiting word from the National Park Service on a finding of environmental impact, a verdict which could allow construction to move forward after more than two years of controversy.
Sally Strain, D.C. coordinator for the Defenders, expects the verdict to come within the next week.
The proposed site of the boathouse is along a narrow shoreline near Key Bridge.
The park service recently issued an Environmental Assessment, a look at the effects of the boathouse on neighboring areas.
The study concluded that the structure “would not negatively affect the historic setting of the C&O Canal, since a boathouse would be consistent with the existing urban views,” among other reasons.
The Defenders say not so.
“We’re hoping the National Park Service will read our comments, take them very seriously and decide that it would not be in the public’s best interest,” said Strain, adding the service should take a “hard look” at the scenic disruptions and safety concerns the boathouse could cause.
The oppositional group wants a more extensive environmental-impact statement to be issued.
The university stated in a June 15 letter to the park service that “further studies are not necessary, warranted, justified, or required by law.”
The boathouse will be the new home of GU’s rowing crew and open to the public under park service terms, said Erik Smulson, spokesperson for Georgetown University.
The university’s rowing team is currently housed at the busy Thompson Boat Center, where the GU team shares space with many high-school crews.
