NCPC Postpones Action on National Zoo Fencing Proposal

At NCPC’s July 12 meeting, the Commission heard the Smithsonian Institution’s proposal for supplemental fencing and consolidated entrances around the National Zoo. The Commission deferred taking an action and requested that the Smithsonian provide a security assessment and conduct public outreach before coming back later in the fall. As a result, on August 1 at 6:30 pm, the Smithsonian will host a public meeting on the project in the Zoo’s Conservation Pavilion.

NCPC also approved preliminary site development plans for a landscape design project that is part of the South Capitol Street Corridor and the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. The design features a large traffic oval at either side of the bridge over the Anacostia River. Discussion and comments focused on the programming of the east oval and the types of amenities that should be provided for the community.

	More on the Zoo’s August 1 Meeting

Next Commission Meeting
September 6, 2018 | 1:00 PM

Live video from Commission meetings is available online at:ncpc.gov/live

Blog: Why Are There So Many Brutalist Federal Buildings in Washington?

Walking around Washington, you will notice several large federal buildings made of concrete with little to no ornamentation. NCPC Intern Dana Marks takes readers on an exploration of Brutalist buildings in this blog post, and considers why this style is so prevalent throughout the city.

	Read on

Information Presented on Small Cell Infrastructure

The Commission heard an informational presentation on Small Cell Infrastructure. This new technology will improve upon 4G wireless performance and enable the next generation of cellular data usage (5G) throughout cities. The District Department of Transportation will establish agreements with providers to install this technology, often attached to a street light fixture or contained in a stand-alone column. Recognizing that this may affect city streetscapes, NCPC will offer DDOT comments for future coordinated design guidelines to implement 5G technology.

	Learn more about Small Cell Infrastructure

Take Aways

There is no Commission meeting in August. We wish everyone a happy summer! The next meeting is Thursday, September 6.

NCPC anticipates reviewing these projects in the upcoming months: National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial, National World War I Memorial, Monumental Core Streetscape Guide and Lighting Framework, and FDA-White Oak Master Plan.