July Meeting Recap

NCPC adopted a resolution that the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: District Elements—Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021 would not have a negative impact on federal interests in the national capital. The Commission appreciated the public testimony provided and commended Mayor Browser, the DC Office of Planning, and the Council of the District of Columbia for their efforts in amending the elements.

The Commission approved preliminary and final building plans for a new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Headquarters Building at the Department of Homeland Security’s consolidated headquarters at St. Elizabeths West Campus in Southeast Washington, DC. Commissioners supported the building’s massing design because it balanced the need for a new headquarters building with historic preservation considerations on the National Historic Landmark-listed campus. 

Commissioners shared feedback on concept plans for the revitalization of the Smithsonian Institution’s South Mall Campus’ historic core to increase public access and use, as well as improve building systems and building exteriors. They requested additional details on perimeter security, the proposed Castle rooftop connection, and a new utility plant’s energy use and cost impacts.

In the first of two information presentations, Bureau of Engraving and Printing representatives provided an update on a proposed one-story currency production facility in Beltsville, Maryland that would replace the existing facility in Washington, DC. In response to previous Commission feedback, the presenters provided more information on why surface parking would be the most environmentally friendly option.

Representatives of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling provided a virtual tour of the installation in advance of the Commission’s upcoming review of its draft master plan at the September 2021 meeting. Some of the draft master plan’s goals are to make the installation more sustainable, provide guidance for the development of a central business district, preserve the historic district, and consider how to improve traffic operations at the main gate.

Please note that there is no meeting in August. The Commission returns on Thursday, September 2 at 1:00 pm for its next meeting. The Tentative Agenda for the meeting will be available on Friday, August 13.