Memorandum of Actions for the July 9, 2020 Commission Meeting
MEMORANDUM OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT ONLINE COMMISSION MEETING ON July 9, 2020
Open Session
Present:
Thomas M. Gallas (Vice-Chairman) Beth White Linda Argo Arrington Dixon Evan Cash (Council of the District of Columbia) Wendy Ginsberg (House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform) Peter May (Department of the Interior) Paul McMahon Jr. (Department of Defense) Phil Mendelson (Council of the District of Columbia) Andrew Trueblood (District of Columbia Office of the Mayor) Mina Wright (General Services Administration)
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Chairman Gallas called the meeting to order. He requested a moment of silence for those affected by COVID 19.
1. Commission Roll Call
Secretary Koster conducted a voice roll call with Commissioners McMahon, May, Argo, White, Gallas, Wright, Dixon, Cash, and Ginsberg present. Marcel Acosta, Executive Director, Anne Schuyler, General Counsel, Mike Sherman, Director of Policy and Planning, and Diane Sullivan, Director of Urban Design and Plan Review were also in the meeting.
The agenda was adopted as the order of business. 2. Report of the Chairman
Chairman Gallas noted that he had been elected by the Commission to chair the executive and open sessions in executive session. He also explained the procedures the Commission would
O-1 use for online meetings. There is no Commission meeting in August, and the next meeting will be September 3, 2020.
3. Report of the Executive Director
During the past month, the Executive Director took the following action under the Commission’s delegation authority. Unless otherwise noted, all projects are in Washington, DC.
1. Preliminary and final site development plans for landscape reconstruction and installation of a flagpole at St. Elizabeths’ Center Building, 2701 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. (8186) 2. Final building plans for renovation and annex demolition at Fort McNair’s Building 48, 4th A Street, SW. (8167) 3. Preliminary and final site development plans for the Howard T. Markey National Courts Building’s ABA Ramp Project, 717 Madison Place, NW. (8183) 4. Preliminary and final site development plans for temporary stabilization of the C&O Canal’s wall in Georgetown, 3207 Grace Street, NW. (8188) 5. Final site development plans for the relocation of a pedestrian crosswalk at Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Avenue, 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, VA. (8174) 6. Preliminary site and building plans for building envelope repairs phase 1 at the Martin V.B. Bostetter, Jr. United States Courthouse Building Envelope Repairs Phase 1, 200 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA. (8190) 7. Preliminary building plans for a new wildlife staff office at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beaver Dam Road & Soil Conservation Road, Beltsville, MD. (8184) 8. Preliminary site development plans for Beltsville Agricultural Research Center Building 434 Renovation and Additions, 6900 Powder Mill Road. (8185) 9. Preliminary and final site development plans for the replacement of Garrett Park Road Bridge, No. M-0352, Garrett Park Road and Rock Creek Park, North Bethesda, MD. (8040) 10. Final site development plans for the Joint Base Andrews Taxiway Whiskey, Camp Spring, Maryland. (7711) 11. Preliminary and final site development plans for the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts Tents Replacement Project, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA. (8187)
During the past month, NCPC staff determined that the following projects are exempt from Commission review, based on certain criteria. Unless otherwise noted, all projects are in Washington, DC.
1. Comments to the Council of the District of Columbia for the Closing of a Public Alley in Square 5116 - S.O. 16-23580, 1501-1507 45th Street, NE. (8175)
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Planning Updates
Interagency Security Annual Membership Meeting
On June 3, 2020, the Executive Director and staff met with representatives from the Interagency Security Committee (ISC) as part of the ISC’s annual outreach to member organizations. The discussion focused on the ISC’s annual report which highlighted compliance policies, standards and recommendations, training, and outreach. The ISC’s representatives also reconfirmed their commitment and ongoing cooperation with NCPC on the agency's Public Space and Security Initiative.
Fiscal Year 2020-2025 Federal Capital Improvement Program Funded Report
Staff developed the Fiscal Year 2020-2025 Federal Capital Improvement Program for the National Capital Region Funded Report (FCIP). The report identifies projects listed in the FCIP that have subsequently received Congressionally authorized funding. The report includes 25 projects with a total estimated cost of more than $875 million. Some of the projects highlighted in the report include $200 million for the Armed Forces Retirement Home Master Plan Implementation; $274 million for the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health Surgery Radiology Laboratory Medicine facility; $95 million for the modernization of the General Services Administration Regional Office Building; and $135 million for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum Revitalize Building Envelope and Infrastructure project. The final report will be available in August.
Monumental Core Streetscape Guide and Manual
The Interagency Working Group began developing stormwater management guidelines. Based on an inventory of existing conditions and historic and urban design considerations, the working group is building upon the District of Columbia’s stormwater management strategies to evaluate the best management practices that may be appropriate for use within the monumental core. With 60 percent of the monumental core located within a 100-year flood plain, stormwater management guidelines will help protect the safety and security of people, facilities, cultural artifacts, and environmental amenities. This work is expected to continue through this fall.
Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative
One of the Executive Committee’s goals is to enhance daily and special events to attract more people to Pennsylvania Avenue. This special place serves a critical role in our nation as an important location to protest, celebrate, and heal; and provides many opportunities for social engagement and visitor interpretation. These important roles are guiding the committee’s ideas and discussion on how to improve the Avenue's use and improve its physical environment. Future design concepts should consider opportunities to enhance ground floor uses and outdoor public spaces to complement two of the Avenue’s active hubs at Market Square and the Willard and W Hotels. Some of these new spaces and their amenities should be more
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Public Engagement
Antenna Guidelines and Tree Replacement Policy Outreach Strategies
Staff is developing outreach strategies for the Antenna Guidelines Update and Federal Environment Element's Tree Replacement Policy Amendments and Submission Guidelines Update, pending Commission authorization to release both for 60-day public comment periods. Components include website pages, social media, online public meetings, ecards, and blogs.
Public Comment Opportunities
In June NCPC accepted feedback on Environmental Assessments for two projects on the July meeting agenda: restoration and floodplain enhancement of the Fletchers Field Park Stream in Riverdale, Maryland and replacement of the Garrett Park Road Bridge over Rock Creek in North Bethesda, Maryland. GSA also accepted comments on the master plan amendment for the consolidation of the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters on the St. Elizabeths West Campus. The Federal Railroad Administration is currently accepting comments through September 28 on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation for the Washington Union Station Expansion Project.
4. Legislative Update
The General Counsel had nothing to report.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
UPON MOTION by Commissioner Dixon, seconded by Commissioner Wright, and carried unanimously, the Commission approved the Consent Calendar.
5A. United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW, Washington, DC - Lincoln Memorial Rehabilitation (NCPC File No. 7866)
The Commission, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8722(b)(1) and (d), advised the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, that it:
Approves the applicant’s preliminary and final building plans to increase the existing door widths to 72 inches at the ground terrace level of the Lincoln Memorial’s east elevation, with new bronze lintels, to allow increased accessibility and functionality to the rehabilitated and expanded visitor services areas located in the memorial undercroft, and for the new egress door on the north side of the Memorial.
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Notes the existing doors were not original to the design and added in 1927, with the south door altered in 1977 to its current width of three feet nine inches, with a clearance of two feet nine and half inches. The north door has a width of three feet, with a clearance of two feet five and a half inches.
Notes the south door currently provides the single source of public entry to the visitor services area located in the memorial undercroft and does not meet accessibility requirements
5B. Smithsonian Institution, 1050 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC - Freer Gallery of Art Courtyard Accessibility Improvements (NCPC File No. 8182)
The Commission, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8722(b)(1) and (d), advised the Smithsonian Institution, that it:
Supports the goal of project to provide ADA access to the Freer Gallery of Art courtyard for public use and enjoyment.
Notes the proposed project is consistent with the goals for improved accessibility set forth in the South Mall Campus Master Plan which was approved by the Commission in 2018.
Finds the overall design approach is appropriate for the project purpose and historic courtyard setting, and that details of the ramp design and hardscape will be further refined prior to the next review.
Recommends the applicant continue to develop the proposed landscape design while considering the original design intent, museum mission, and climatic conditions within the courtyard.
5C. Smithsonian Institution, 700 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC - Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Revised Museum Entrance Sign (NCPC File No. 7940)
The Commission, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8722(b)(1) and (d), advised the Smithsonian Institution, that it:
Approves the Smithsonian Institution’s proposed revised exterior permanent entry sign over the southeast revolving door entrance at the Hirshhorn Museum .
5D. United States General Services Administration, 4000 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA - George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center Building B (NCPC File No. 8192)
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The Commission, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8722(b)(1), advised the United States General Services Administration, that it:
Approves the preliminary site and building plans for the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center Building B, located in Arlington, Virginia.
Finds that the applicant has generally addressed the Commission’s comments from the approval of the master plan regarding the location of Building B and its relationship to the historic gymnasium and historic quad.
Finds the siting of the building successfully uses the change in grade on the site to achieve the desired program while maintaining an appropriate scale for the quad and distance from the historic gym.
Requests additional tree replacement and landscape plan details for the final review.
Notes that Building B will not reduce or increase parking on the campus but that the additional employees and students will improve the existing parking ratio from 1:1.9 to 1:2.3 by 2023.
Notes the applicant submitted a TMP with their master plan in 2017, committing to a 1:3 parking ratio goal by 2027 and 1:4 by 2037, but no specific strategies to achieve these goals were included and the Commission requested the information in progress reports in 2019 and 2022.
Notes the applicant has submitted the requested progress report, that they plan to meet the parking goal, but that it should be accompanied by specific TMP strategies for reducing parking and reliance on single occupancy vehicles.
Requests that for the final submission, the applicant include specific TMP strategies, and milestones for the next 20 years.
5E. United States Department of Defense, Department of the Army, 9800 Belvoir Road, Fort Belvoir, VA - Ground Circuit Initiative Tower (NCPC File No. 8181)
The Commission, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8722(b)(1), advised the United States Department of Defense, Department of the Army, that it:
Approves the preliminary and final site development plans for the installation of a Ground Circuit Initiative (GCI) telecommunication site located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Notes the new antenna tower will replace an existing tower at the same site. The new tower will be approximately 50 feet taller due to line of site requirements. However, viewshed studies indicate there will be no impacts due proposed project as the tower is located within a heavily forested area of the base.
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5F. Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, 5200 Kenilworth Avenue, Riverdale, MD - Fletchers Field Park Stream Restoration and Floodplain Enhancement (NCPC File No. 8177)
The Commission, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8722(a) and (b)(1) and 46 Stat. 482, advised the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, that it:
Approves the preliminary and final site development plans for the stream restoration and floodplain enhancement project in Fletcher’s Field Park consisting of a new meandering stream channel and floodplain bench, 31,000 square feet of new forested wetlands, 8,500 square feet of emergent wetlands, and a 100-foot sidewalk extension with educational signage.
Adopts the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the project based on its assessment of potential future project impacts to the natural and manmade environment and proposed mitigation pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act.
6. ACTION ITEMS – With Presentation
6A. United States General Services Administration, 2707 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE, Washington, DC - Department of Homeland Security Headquarters Consolidation at St. Elizabeths Master Plan Amendment 2 (NCPC File No. MP211)
UPON MOTION by Commissioner Dixon, seconded by Commissioner Wright, and carried unanimously, the Commission, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8722(a) and (b)(1),
advised the United States General Services Administration that it:
Comments favorably on the overall preferred approach presented in the draft Master Plan Amendment.
Commends GSA for fully engaging partner federal agencies and the Section 106 Consulting Parties through the evolution of the design process for the Master Plan Amendment.
Finds that GSA evaluated a range of design options with the federal agencies and Section 106 Consulting Parties, to address the needed square footage requirements for the new programming, with options ranging from two to six buildings, of varying heights and masses, located on the Plateau, while balancing historic preservation considerations.
Notes that based on the discussion and evaluation during the on-going Section 106 Consultation Process in 2018 and 2019, GSA arrived at a preferred massing option for the new construction of two, approximately 600,000 square foot buildings on the western edge of the Plateau, and along the slope of the Ravine, and a 175,000 square foot building (I & A Building) located near the Munroe building, and on top of the hill from the historic cemetery.
Historic Preservation
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Finds that GSA’s preferred massing design best balances DHS’s programmatic needs to consolidate its workforce at the St. Elizabeths West Campus with historic preservation considerations in the context of a National Historic Landmark district. The design: • Retains the historic Administration Row buildings on the Plateau and open character of the Lawn. • Retains the panoramic views and porosity of buildings across the Lawn towards the River, from the Administration Row buildings. • Locates two of the large new buildings on the Plateau near locations previously approved for new construction. • Locates one of the new buildings along the slope of the Ravine, allowing for the historic Power Plant and Smoke Towers to be retained, and integrated into the new building, while addressing the issues of slope stability. • Minimizes the impact of views towards the West Campus, particularly on the ridgeline of the topographic bowl.
Finds that while the preferred design best balances program needs with historic preservation considerations, it has a greater impact on historic resources than the 2009 plan in that it requires the demolition of three additional historic buildings (Buildings 15, 66, and 69) which is discussed in more detail in this report and the Section 106 memorandum of agreement.
Notes that per the Commission’s request, GSA has evaluated whether these buildings could be preserved and found it not feasible. Staff’s analysis and the Section 106 memorandum of agreement include more information regarding feasibility and mitigation.
Requests that the applicant explore designs for new construction at the Building 69 location on the Plateau that provide a focal point and axial relationship with the historic Hitchcock Building.
Notes that the applicant has committed to follow National Park Service guidance found in Preservation Brief 31: Mothballing Historic Buildings, for the stabilization of the remaining historic buildings while demonstrating the commitment to identify future new uses for the building to encourage rehabilitation.
Notes that the applicant has committed to ensure that historic buildings will not be demolished prior to the need to facilitate the construction of new buildings.
Other
Commends GSA for submitting a strong Transportation Management Plan and the Department of Homeland Security for complying with NCPC’s parking ratio of 1:4 for standard shift DHS staff.
Notes GSA has provided the requested information on the campus stormwater management plan, project phasing, and tree removal and replacement, indicating the amendment to the Master Plan will comply with the Federal Environment Element.
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Notes that the applicant has indicated the amendment to the Master Plan will comply with the Federal Environment Element, including the current tree policy for removal and replacement, and notes that all future individual building applications will be subject to subsequent Commission approved Tree Policy of the Comprehensive Plan.
Notes that a new Memorandum of Agreement will be executed to address agreed-upon mitigation measures commensurate with adverse effects resulting from the Master Plan Amendment.
Notes that GSA has released a draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for public review and comment through July 16, 2020.
Notes individual buildings and landscapes will be designed at the individual project stage and submitted for Commission review and approval.
6B. United States Department of Health and Human Services, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD - National Institutes of Health Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Temporary Facility (NCPC File No. 8168)
UPON MOTION by Commissioner May, seconded by Commissioner Argo, and carried unanimously, the Commission, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8722(b)(1), advised the United
States Department of Health and Human Services that it:
Notes that the current project submission does not include enough information for preliminary review by the Commission and therefore, NCPC will review the project as a concept submission, with the following comments provided to NIH for consideration during further project development.
Notes that the temporary Alzheimer’s and other related dementias (ADRD) building is proposed for a minimum of 10 years, until a new permanent space is available elsewhere on campus. NIH plans to remove the temporary building after relocation to permanent facilities.
Notes that the building siting and design are important given its anticipated use for 10 or more years and finds the proposed location (partially on an existing parking lot), orientation, and setbacks from Service Road West and Convent Drive to be appropriate.
Finds the project is consistent with many of the planning principles from the 2013 NIH Master Plan including the preservation of the perimeter buffer zone; the building height limit for the site; and close proximity to Metrorail and core development areas.
Finds the project will adhere to tree replacement policies from NIH and NCPC with a 1-to-1 tree replacement, and that NIH should consider tree locations that will minimize the need to relocate trees or replant on-site to accommodate potential future development once the temporary building is removed.
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Notes that NIH and NCPC staff are in discussions regarding a strategy for the campus to reach a 1:3 parking ratio and that the proposed project will improve the parking ratio through a planned employment increase and elimination of parking spaces.
Requests the following for preliminary review: - Photo simulations of the new ADRD building from the adjacent neighborhood and the Bethesda Trolley Trail. - Detailed plans that show more refined building materials and a landscape plan. - Information regarding any other temporary buildings and other uses anticipated in the future, including their size, context, and location. -
6C. National Capital Planning Commission, Washington, DC - Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements - Amendments to the Transportation Element and Submission Guidelines Update (NCPC File No. CP01A)
UPON MOTION by Commissioner May, seconded by Commissioner McMahon, and carried unanimously, the Commission, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8721, advised the
National Capital Planning Commission that it:
Approves the final adoption of the updated Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements, including the Addendum pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8721.
Approves the final adoption of the updated Submission Guidelines per 40 U.S.C. § 8711 (e)(2) and 8722(a).
Notes the 2016 Transportation Element policies will remain in effect for 60 days after the publication of the Federal Register notice announcing the adoption of the revised Transportation Element by the Commission.
Applicable to Individual Projects Notes following the effective date, individual projects with previous Commission action under the 2016 policies will move forward using the 2016 Transportation Element policies, unless project approval has expired.
Applicable to Master Plans Notes that many installations in the L’Enfant City already meet the 2016 parking ratios and should therefore prepare a new Transportation Management Plan in accordance with the 2020 parking ratios at the time of their next master plan update.
Notes the majority of installations in the region where the parking ratio is proposed to increase are working towards meeting their 2016 parking ratio per their Transportation Management Plan. At the next master plan update, such installations should build on
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their existing Transportation Management Plan and detail how the 2020 parking ratio goal can be met over additional time.
Notes that for projects with special and unusual circumstances, applicant agencies can consult with NCPC staff to determine the applicable Transportation Element policies.
Notes that, following adoption, NCPC staff will develop an online submission portal for the Transportation Management Plan monitoring program, anticipated for completion in fall 2020.
Notes the updated Submission Guidelines will be effective 60 days after the notice of final rulemaking is published in the Federal Register.
Notes following Commission adoption, staff will incorporate any changes as directed by the Commission and will complete minor editorial updates to the text and graphics to ensure document accuracy and consistency.
6D. National Capital Planning Commission, Washington, DC - Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements - Amendments to the Federal Environment Element's Tree Replacement Policy and Submission Guidelines Update (NCPC File No. CP01B)
UPON MOTION by Commissioner Argo, seconded by Commissioner May, and carried unanimously, the Commission, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8721, advised the National
Capital Planning Commission that it:
Authorizes the release of the draft policy updates to the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital, Federal Environment Element, Section G: Policies Related to Tree Canopy and Vegetation and associated draft Submission Guidelines for a 60-day public comment period pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8721.
6E. National Capital Planning Commission, Washington, DC - Antenna Submission Guidelines Update (NCPC File No. 6947)
UPON MOTION by Commissioner Wright, seconded by Commissioner White, and carried, Commissioner Dixon abstaining, the Commission, pursuant to 40 U.S.C. §
8711(e)(2), advised the National Capital Planning Commission that it:
Authorizes staff to release the draft Antenna Guidelines, which will replace Chapter 5 of the NCPC Submission Guidelines, for a 60-day public comment period pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 8721.
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Commissioner Mendelson joins the meeting. Commissioner Trueblood joins the meeting.
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7. INFORMATION PRESENTATIONS
7A. United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC - Washington Union Station Expansion Project (NCPC File No. 7746)
The purpose of this information presentation was to provide an update on the Washington Union Station Expansion Project and seek the Commission’s comments on staff’s review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which is currently available for public comment. The Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), in coordination with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), has proposed expanding and modernizing the multimodal transportation facilities at Washington Union Station (WUS). The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has prepared the DEIS in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to evaluate the proposed project. NCPC is a cooperating agency as part of the project to satisfy the Commission’s own NEPA compliance requirements for its approval over projects on federal land. The historic station, existing parking structure, and bus facilities are located on federal (FRA) land.
The Commission reviewed the concept plans for the project in January 2020. The Commission provided a series of requests to help facilitate the next project review. These included the request that FRA substantially reduce the number of parking spaces, and that the applicant, private development owner, and staff work with the District of Columbia Office of Planning (DCOP) and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to evaluate and confirm the appropriate amount of parking given the mix of uses, traffic and urban design impacts, and transit-oriented nature of the project, prior to the next stage of review. The result of this request was the creation of the parking working group which met through the spring of 2020 to discuss the proposed parking program.
After initial review of the DEIS, staff outlined some preliminary findings and comments and sought the Commission’s general concurrence. Staff focused on parking which was the main subject of discussion at concept review. Following the information presentation, staff will summarize these and other Commission comments in a letter that will be transmitted to FRA. The comments should provide feedback to FRA regarding the DEIS and guidance regarding how the Commission will evaluate the project when it is submitted for the next concept review. Staff has advised FRA that they should submit a revised concept plan to NCPC that responds to the Commission’s previous comments prior to the release of the Final EIS.
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Chairman Gallas noted that the next meeting was September 3, 2020. At this point the meeting was adjourned.
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______07/20/20 Julia A. Koster Secretary to the Commission
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