"Hellwell" Will Open to Public

The DC Zoning Commission’s decision to expand membership to Lerner Health and Wellness Center has some GW students worried about security, overcrowding and a lost sense of community.

The decision was unanimous and will give out at least 300 membership passes: 250 for area alumni and 50 for local Foggy Bottom residents. There had been rumors of Lerner opening up to the public for some time now. Well, you can expect to see the change early in 2008.

Sophomore Brianna Casciello, who works at the gym, believes the decision may have negative effects. “The gym is so popular and busy already. With the 300 something memberships they are giving out, I sense there are going to be battles over machines and gym equipment. I don’t think it is the best idea.”

Andre Julien, Lerner’s assistant athletic director, has similar concerns. He is supposedly hoping to buy more cardiovascular equipment and add more classes to accommodate the extra gym memberships.

Hopefully, this change will encourage positive relations between Foggy Bottom residents and the GW community. In the meantime, try not to go to the gym if you are in a rush!

- Connie Dekis