• By Stephen Staudigl
• July 12, 2018

NCPC Postpones Action on National Zoo Fencing Proposal

Influenced by the public comments it received about the project, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) postponed taking action on preliminary and final site development plans submitted by the Smithsonian Institution for supplemental perimeter fencing at the National Zoological Park in Northwest Washington, DC. NCPC requested that the Smithsonian provide a brief security assessment and conduct public outreach and meetings with members of the community and other stakeholders to explain their proposed plans prior to NCPC’s next monthly meeting in September. NCPC received more than 250 comments.

The current plans are the first phase of a two-phase proposal. In phase 1, the Smithsonian seeks to consolidate pedestrian entry points to the main entrances located at Connecticut Avenue, the bus drop-off on North Road, and the lower zoo. These are also the zoo’s current primary entrances. They also propose to replace some segments of existing fencing with vehicular-rated fencing, and add fences where gaps exist. Phase 2, which was not part of this submission, includes visitor-screening facilities at the zoo’s entrances.

The Commission approved preliminary site development plans for a landscape design project that is part of the revitalization of the South Capitol Street Corridor and the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. Submitted by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) the project includes two new open spaces on both sides of the bridge and improvements to several parks at the I-295 interchange.

The east oval includes natural and native plantings, and is located near Poplar Point and Anacostia Park. It would serve as the gateway to historic Anacostia for cars travelling east, and as the first park space in the South Capitol Street Corridor for those travelling west. The west oval has direct views of the U.S Capitol. Both ovals include sites for future memorials or public art. The Commission requested that DDOT consider additional opportunities for interpretation and programming at the east oval that could serve as a community amenity, and consider adding more trees and plantings to the western oval’s southern end to improve the visual connection to the bridge.

NCPC then provided favorable comments on plans submitted by the National Park Service to improve access and safety on the Rock Creek Park Trail, and rehabilitate portions of the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. Key project components include a redesign of the Belvedere (the historic intersection of Constitution Avenue with the Potomac River), rerouting of the trail under the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, and improving the trail near the Kennedy Center.

The Commission noted that improvements made to the Belvedere will improve its location and make it more attractive as a site for a future memorial. NCPC also noted its support for the trail alignment alternative that would create an arched tunnel entryway through the bridge because it would provide clear sightlines for pedestrians and bicyclists, and complement the bridge’s design. The project will also complement the Kennedy Center’s expansion project that will connect the center to the Potomac River. NCPC approved final plans for this connection in July 2016.

NCPC approved preliminary site and building plans for a new building to house the Master Clock and the renovation of several historic buildings on the 72-acre U.S. Naval Observatory campus located at 3450 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. The new one story, 15,000 square foot building will consolidate different functions into one facility. The Commission noted that the facility’s proposed design and location would not compete visually with nearby historic buildings and their layout on the campus. Other project components include the renovation of historic buildings 3, 52, 52A, and 78.

The Commission then approved preliminary site and building plans for a new Consolidated Communication Center at Joint Base Andrews submitted by Department of the Navy, noting that the Navy modified the site and building design to respond to previous Commission comments. The two-story, 79,000 square foot building will be the communications center for the Air Force’s 89th and 744th Squadrons.

The Commission heard an informational presentation on Small Cell Infrastructure, a new cellular technology that will soon be deployed in Washington, and how it could affect public spaces in the city. NCPC, the District Department of Transportation, and other local and federal agencies are working closely together to examine potential impacts to public spaces. The Commission did not vote on this briefing.

This month’s agenda also included four consent calendar items (no presentations were given):
1. Approval of a final master plan addendum for Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Southeast Washington, DC. (MP55)
2. Preliminary and final site and building plans for replacement of three antennas at the T-Mobile Telecommunications Facility, Water Tower 286, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, Maryland. (7979)
3. Approval of the final master plan for the National Institute of Standards and Technology Gaithersburg Campus, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland. (MP23)
4. Approval of a master plan addendum for the Naval Support Facility Carderock, 9500 MacArthur Boulevard, Bethesda, Maryland.

The Executive Director approved seven items, under authority delegated by the Commission.
1. Revised final site development plans for rehabilitation of the Carnegie Library, 801 Mount Vernon Avenue, NW. (7532)
2. Preliminary and final site development plans for expansion of the National Zoological Park Elephant Yard 1, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW. (7997)
3. Preliminary and final site development plans for a temporary art exhibit about litter letters, Anacostia Park, Section D in front of the Anacostia Recreation Center. (7996)
4. Final site development plans for the Consolidation Phase 2 Lighting Plan at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Headquarters, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE. (7929)
5. Preliminary and final site development plans for trail improvements at Fort Totten, between Gallatin and Galloway Streets, NE. (7861)
6. Approval of comments to the Council of the District of Columbia regarding the closing of a public alley in Square 788, S.O. 17-25132, 317 A Street, SE. (8002).
7. Approval of a report to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia regarding a Map Amendment from RF-1 to ARTS-2, Square 361, Lot 827, Ward 1, Community Three Development, LLC, 1925 Vermont Avenue, NW. (ZC 18-01)