• By Stephen Staudigl
• January 07, 2022

NCPC Approves U.S. National Arboretum Perimeter Fence and Gate Improvements

At its Thursday, January 6, 2022 online meeting, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) approved preliminary and final site development plans for improvements to the U.S. National Arboretum’s perimeter fence and gates at its 446-acre facility in Northeast Washington, DC. The existing fence is in poor condition, and plans call for the replacement of 12,300 linear feet of decorative fencing with similar fencing; replacement of a 450-foot section of chain-link fencing with new decorative fencing; realignment of the perimeter fence in several locations along New York Avenue, NE; and modification or removal of four of the existing eight perimeter gates.

Commissioners supported the project’s goal of improving the appearance and security of the Arboretum and preventing deer from entering the property. The fence along New York Avenue, which is currently in public space, will be moved so that it is on Arboretum property with two exceptions: by the Conifer Road and Hickey Run Gates. No operational changes to the gates will be made until NCPC approves a new master plan for the Arboretum. A proposal to relocate the main entrance to Bladensburg Road was not part of this proposal.

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) Executive Director Chuck Bean provided an overview of MWCOG's efforts to create a unified planning framework that links land use, transportation, housing, climate change, and energy with equity principles and goals, and targets resources to specific areas in the region. The framework seeks to create a stronger, more vibrant, and equitable region where resources, jobs, and amenities are available in the areas that most need them and were historically underserved. It also seeks to focus planning and investment around 225 current and planned high-capacity transit station (Metro, VRE, MARC, light rail, Bus Rapid Transit, streetcar). They are prime locations for new housing and workforce options and would help the region achieve climate change goals and create healthier communities. No official Commission action is taken on information presentations.

Commission actions and related materials are available online.

The Executive Director approved four items under authority delegated by the Commission. Unless otherwise noted, all projects are in Washington, DC.
1. Review for conformance of preliminary and final site and building plans with the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (PADC) Plan and Square Guidelines for Security Upgrades and Streetscape Improvements at the Patrick Henry Building, 601 D Street, NW. (P8335)
2. Preliminary and final site and building plans for the Pentagon Control Tower - Fire Day Station, Mall Terrace, 1 North Rotary Road, Arlington, VA. (8099)
3. Preliminary and final building plans for the Building 386 Human Performance Training Center Addition, 10232 Burbeck Road, Fort Belvoir, VA. (8336)
4. Preliminary and final building plans for the Naval Support Activity Bethesda Building 9 East Entrance Renovation, 8950 R.B. Brown Drive, Bethesda, MD. (8318)