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HANDOUTS
- Agenda, June 19, 2003
- May 22, 2003, Draft Community Liaison Council (CLC)
Meeting Minutes
- NIH CLC Members as of June 18, 2003
- Residential Permit Parking Program—Overview
Slide Copies
- Access and Perimeter Security Plan, (site map) National
Institutes of Health
- Maryland-National Capital Park Planning Commission
(M-NCPPC) Announcement: Community Forum on Mandatory
Referral: Laboratory Building 33
- R&W, June 2003, NIH & NOAA Recreation
and Welfare Association (R&W) Newsletter
- Street SMART—Drivers, Pedestrians, Cyclists
Brochure
- NIAID Building 33 Complex Preliminary Site &
Building Plans/Final Foundation Submission to the
National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), June
6, 2003
- Building 33 Complex NIH Campus, Bethesda, Maryland,
National Capital Planning Commission Preliminary
Site & Building Plans/Final Foundation Submission,
Drawings: Site/Landscaping Plans, Floor Plans, Elevations,
Site/Building Sections, and Perspective Renderings
WELCOME
Tom Gallagher, Ph.D., Director, Office of Community
Liaison (OCL), Office of the Director (OD), NIH, welcomed
members of the CLC.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dr. Gallagher announced a public forum, sponsored by
the M-NCPPC, to be held at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase
Regional Center (B-CCRC) on July 1, 2003, at 7 p.m.
Deborah Snead of the B-CCRC distributed a flyer and
explained the purpose of this public forum. Ms. Snead
said the staff of the M-NCPPC will present information
on the proposed NIH Laboratory Building 33's site plan
and garage. She added that the M-NCPPC invites questions
and input from the community before the Mandatory Referral
hearing scheduled to take place on July 17, 2003.
Lucy Ozarin, M.D., Whitehall Condominium Association,
asked for more information about Mandatory Referral.
Ronald Wilson, Division of Facilities Planning, Office
of Research Facilities Development and Operations (ORF),
NIH, said this is a courtesy referral as the County
has the right to review any County federal project and
had asked to see the project plan. Stephanie Sechrist,
of the NCPC, added that this process is to review the
Building 33 project plan and check whether it is consistent
with the NIH Master Plan. Ms. Sechrist said the NIH
had referred the plan to NCPC and the County at the
same time, and it is generally consistent with the NIH
Master Plan. George Oberlander, Huntington Parkway Citizens
Association, added that the term "mandatory"
is a Maryland State term, and means little in terms
of the review. He said it is not a term specified by
NCPC.
Dr. Gallagher introduced a new CLC member, Tom Robertson,
who was welcomed as the new representative from Parkwood
Residents Association. Mr. Robertson said this referral
and process, which he said has worked well in the past,
is an opportunity for the NIH to be a good neighbor
and to share its plans with the larger community. Mr.
Robertson responded to a query from Ralph Schofer, Maplewood
Citizens Association, who asked whether the M-NCPPC
has any input that could be brought to bear on this
project. Mr. Robertson said that the M-NCPPC functions
as a conduit to NCPC. Ms. Sechrist said the Commission
meets on the first Thursday of the month, and she offered
to report the date and time for the August 2003 NCPC
meeting at the July CLC meeting.
PRESENTATIONS
Presentation of Responses to CLC Member Questions
from the May 2003 CLC Meeting
by Tom Gallagher, Ph.D., Director, Office of Community
Liaison, OD, NIH
Dr. Gallagher said he compiled questions associated
with the presentations in the May CLC meeting and wanted
to provide the answers. He referred to a map that was
handed out and to a larger more up-to-date rendition
at the front of the room.
IDB & LSY
Acronyms referred to in Arturo Giron's presentation
about the perimeter fence include IDB and LSY.
The names of these firms are for IDB the initials only,
and for LSY, Louviere, Stratton, and Yokel.
Boulders & Campus Perimeter Fence
Boulders have been placed at Campus locations where
vehicle gates are situated and areas vulnerable to penetration
by vehicles. The boulders, approximately 3 feet high
and 3 to 5 feet wide, will be incorporated with other
fence and landscaping design elements. Eleanor Rice,
Locust Hill Civic Association, thought the ravine area
north of the Metro area is a sensitive area that should
be well protected. Dr. Gallagher said in that location
there is a vehicular fence and cable fence positioned
closely together. He noted this area is extremely well
protected.
Perimeter Areas at the South Campus Border
Members questioned the positions of various fence elements
along the bike path and the buffer zone, particularly
on the south side of the Campus where residential property
borders NIH property. The pedestrian fence from Roosevelt
to Rosewood Drive is 40 feet from the bike path, and
there is a 12-foot setback from the existing NIH parking
lot. Stephen Sawicki, Edgewood Glenwood Citizens Association,
asked about the existing "jersey" wall in
this parking area. Dr. Gallagher said he thought those
barriers would be removed.
Mr. Sawicki expressed concern about the safety of those
using the pedestrian walkway, especially during the
winter when it is nearly dark by 4:30 p.m. Dr. Gallagher
said there would be low level, 4-foot high, lighting
along the path. In addition, Mr. Sawicki wanted to know
about security patrols at the north and south of the
Campus. Dr. Gallagher said that both police and security
guards would patrol these areas inside and outside the
fence. Lesley Hildebrand, Huntington Terrace Citizens
Association, wanted information about patrol of the
path on weekends. Dr. Gallagher said he would pose the
question to Mr. Giron.
At Maple Ridge and Rosewood, Dr. Gallagher said steel
cable and boulder reinforcement would be used, and a
cable barrier would be placed at Maple Ridge. The bike
path and fence are approximately 160 to 200 feet from
this barrier and the old chain link fence. Dr. Gallagher
said the pedestrian walkway is next to the fence in
this area. Dr. Gallagher noted there would be a pedestrian
entrance from McKinley. In follow-up, Randy Schools,
R&W, noted that each vehicular entrance also has
pedestrian access. Mr. Wilson noted there are gates
for pedestrian access only at other locations and that
pedestrians may enter Campus at each vehicle entrance
as well.
Center Drive Entrance at Old Georgetown Road
At the Center Drive entrance at Old Georgetown Road,
Dr. Gallagher reported that to prevent backups on Old
Georgetown Road during peak traffic times, there would
be a guard stand positioned at the center island 120
feet from Old Georgetown Road. Nancy Hoos, Sonoma Citizens
Association, wondered if this entrance would continue
to admit construction vehicles for ongoing projects
after the Center Drive gate is installed. Dr. Gallagher
said he would verify whether contractors' construction
vehicles will be admitted through this gate.
Bike Path Route, Cedar Lane, and West Drive
Mr. Oberlander asked for clarification of the location
of the bike path. Dr. Gallagher pointed to areas on
the large site map noting that on the north side of
Campus there is a sidewalk along Cedar Lane. He said
the bike path extends from Old Georgetown Road on the
west side and runs alongside the fence past the proposed
storm water pond on the south. Mr. Sawicki said the
bike path at NIH connects with the Crescent Trail bike
path. In addition, Mr. Oberlander noted an anomaly where
the 100-foot pedestrian standoff is shown to cross on
the north and the residential side of Cedar Lane near
West Drive. Mr. Wilson said this included a 250-foot
standoff for vehicles and a 100-foot standoff for pedestrians.
Mr. Oberlander suggested that this information should
be clarified on the site map. Dr. Gallagher said he
would find out about the line Mr. Oberlander mentioned.
West Lane Feasibility Study
Dr. Gallagher reported that a feasibility study was
in process for the use of West Drive by patients and
their families who stay in or travel to the Clinical
Center, Children's Inn, and Family Lodge.
Presentation on Residential Parking and Permits
by Walter Mitton, Community Relations Specialist,
OCL, OD, NIH
Dr. Gallagher introduced Walter Mitton, Community Relations
Specialist, OCL, OD, NIH, who contacted Montgomery County
Residential Permit Parking Office (RPPO) for information
about establishing a residential parking program.
Mr. Mitton prefaced his presentation by informing the
CLC that he had invited Jean Gries from the Montgomery
County Department of Public Works & Transportation
(DPWT) to attend the next CLC meeting on July 17, 2003.
Mr. Mitton reported that there is a two-step process
that residents or civic associations are required to
follow to create a residential permit parking area.
First, a written request and a petition, signed by two-thirds
of the houses of each block, must be submitted to the
DPWT. In signing the petition, residents are agreeing
to have signs installed on their block and to obtain
a permit for a fee. Second, if the DPWT's evaluation
is favorable, boundaries are established and the petitioning
group is notified. Mr. Mitton said this process may
take 8 to 12 months. He added that the DPWT's Department
of Traffic and Parking Services (DTPS) uses the M-NCPPC
civic association boundaries to establish the area for
permit parking. After an association's zone receives
approval as a permit area, those who live within the
area, but not on blocks originally designated, may submit
their petition to be included in the zone. This process
takes approximately 3 to 4 months.
Mr. Mitton reported that the costs associated with
obtaining a permit include a $250 public hearing fee
and a $20 fee for each vehicle registered to each address.
The fee covers a two-year period before renewal. In
addition, one permanent visitor permit is available
per dwelling for an additional $20. He noted that unless
a visitor is staying more than 30 days, there is no
charge for a obtaining a temporary visitor permit from
various RPPOs. Mr. Mitton said parking in these areas
is restricted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday. He said variations, such as parking for those
attending a special event, are considered on a case-by-case
basis. He said enforcement during the weekday hours
is by the Parking Operations Office at 240-777-8744
and on weekends by the County Police Department at 301-279-8000.
Mr. Mitton noted there is an appeal process for those
ticketed, e.g., a newly purchased car, before the permanent
tag is obtained, or a vehicle parked while its owner
is attending to a home repair.
Mr. Oberlander asked whether an existing zone could
be expanded without a hearing. Mr. Mitton said he would
relay that question to Ms. Gries; however, he believed
it might require a hearing. Deborah Michaels, Glenbrook
Village Homeowners Association, said her association
has resorted to towing, posting area streets as private,
with signs warning about towing, because non-resident
NIH employees (identified by their wearing of badges)
have acquired residential parking permits. Marilyn Mazuzan,
Town of Oakmont, said her neighborhood has a parking
program and a volunteer who checks on vehicles and contacts
the police when a violator is spotted. She said this
has been very effective. Ms. Miller said it should be
possible to trace offenders by their license plate number.
Mr. Schofer notices parking by contractors along Cedar
Lane and Linden. He thought that some of this parking
is temporary because it is related to current construction
on Campus.
Dr. Gallagher noted that his office and the NIH interact
with the community and various agencies about resolving
residents' complaints. However, Dr. Gallagher said the
County is responsible for enforcement in restricted
areas, and where parking is not restricted, those parking
on these streets are not breaking the law. He remarked
that some of those parking in residential areas are
performing some function at the NIH and many of the
vehicles are trucks belonging to construction workers.
Although OCL staff members have placed flyers on vehicle
windshields asking contractors to park elsewhere, NIH
cannot enforce the law, and Dr. Gallagher said he has
few solutions to offer those reporting parking incidents
to his office.
Dr. Gallagher noted that he has checked the off-site
parking area designated for contractors at a Pooks Hill
location. Dr. Gallagher said that at 5:30 a.m. there
are parking spots available, but by 5:45 a.m., no spaces
remain and contractors must find other locations to
park their vehicles. Ginny Miller, Wyngate Citizens
Association, suggested making parking regulations and
penalties part of the NIH's construction contracts and
employment agreements. Dr. Gallagher offered that while
some methods would work to discourage those parking
in residential areas, he felt that the problem would
not be solved by this method. Instead, he thought this
would move the problem along to other neighborhoods.
He reminded members that a contracting employer is limited
to trying to discourage parking on residential streets,
because the streets, unless designated otherwise, are
public.
Since the remote parking area is oversubscribed, Mr.
Robertson suggested initiating a truck pool similar
to the NIH carpool efforts that have worked to reduce
the number of vehicles traveling to Campus. He said
that because this would mean parking farther out, some
incentive would be needed to make it effective. Dr.
Gallagher said paid parking by NIH employees could create
more parking opportunities on Campus but might encourage
parking in local neighborhoods. Mr. Schools said paid
parking was tried in 1978, and it did not work. Dr.
Gallagher said NIH is looking for more off-Campus parking
space.
Ms. Hildebrand had asked about methods to prevent or
restrict access by those who cut illegally through the
Huntington Terrace neighborhood streets while trying
to reach Lincoln Drive and Old Georgetown Road near
Suburban Hospital. Mr. Mitton stated that Ms. Gries
already had mailed a package to Ms. Hildebrand that
provided information addressing this issue. Ms. Miller
said to resolve this unlawful access would be a difficult
process. Ms. Rice added that Locust Hill had a problem
with hundreds of cars cutting through to Cedar Lane
despite having signs posted. She said the police enforce
the law sometimes, but they have other problems to handle.
Dr. Gallagher thanked Mr. Mitton for his presentation.
Presentation on Pedestrian Safety Initiative
by Anna Hargrave, Pedestrian Safety Assistant, Montgomery
County, Maryland
Dr. Gallagher said the remainder of member questions
concerned pedestrian and cyclist issues. He invited
Anna Hargrave, a Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety
Assistant, to present information on efforts to reduce
the number of fatalities and injuries along roadways
and at crosswalks. She explained the history of the
Blue Ribbon Panel on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety and
the subsequent campaign which combines the three E's
of traffic safety: education, enforcement, and engineering.
The Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee is currently
working to implement the 54 recommendations detailed
in the final report of the Blue Ribbon Panel. Ms. Hargrave
gave a summary of enforcement initiatives such as the
crosswalk "stings" and engineering innovations
like the countdown pedestrian signals. She then detailed
the education and outreach efforts. She reported that
in October of 2002, the metropolitan region launched
the "Street Smart" education campaign which
was initially created by Montgomery County with a grant
from the State Highway Administration (SHA). For the
first month of the campaign, public service announcements
with testimonies from a police officer, a victim and
a victim's loved one were run on radios and a television
PSA was also run on county cable. She displayed a number
of posters that had been placed in public areas, such
as transit and bus shelters, and distributed along with
tip cards to grocery stores, small retailers, regional
government centers, liquor stores, and schools. The
message was targeted both to the drivers of vehicles
and pedestrians. Graphics emphasized messages associated
with school zones, crosswalks, and bike safety. She
noted that both English and Spanish flyers were printed
and distributed. She also informed the committee of
the current grant from the State Highway Administration
to develop a campaign for the Latino population which
is disproportionately represented in pedestrian fatalities.
22 percent of County fatalities are Latino pedestrians;
whereas, the County's Latino population is 11 percent.
The Latino campaign will focus on teaching new arrivals
to recognize and utilize the crosswalk as well as look
left/right/left before crossing a street. The County's
health promoters, who use peer education to spread information
about health issues and disease, will be trained and
equipped with materials from this campaign to teach
Latino residents about pedestrian safety. Ms. Hargrave
also noted that the campaign would have a visual focus
due to the varied levels of literacy in the target population.
Ms Hargrave encouraged the committee to utilize the
materials and resources available to educate both residents
and NIH employees of their responsibilities as drivers
and pedestrians. She described one creative effort where
those following safe and correct procedures while crossing
the street in Wheaton were presented a flyer with a
coupon for free coffee at a nearby Dunkin' Donuts shop.
Dr. Ozarin said that drivers especially needed education
about pedestrians at crosswalks. She mentioned that
the NIH has put up signs that work well. Debra Liverpool,
Bethesda YMCA, noted the challenge of 20 six-year-old
children crossing Old Georgetown Road at Beech Drive
to reach the YMCA. Ms. Miller said pedestrians in downtown
Bethesda often do not use the crosswalk or even look
for approaching cars, particularly at Woodmont and Bethesda
Avenues. Ms. Hoos said she hoped there was funding to
identify potential pedestrian problem spots near NIH,
for example at Greentree and Old Georgetown Roads. Dr.
Gallagher said the crossings at the pedestrian access
gate areas should be considered as well. Mr. Schools
had observed a problem area at Strathmore Hall when
special events, including NIH activities, are held there.
Ms. Hargrave said that Ms. Gries from the Department
of Public Works and Transportation would address the
engineering specific concerns in detail at the next
meeting.
Members wondered if the County laws were strict enough
to deter violations. Mr. Schofer said in some western
states that all vehicles must stop when a pedestrian
steps off the curb. Ms. Hargrave said Montgomery County
laws are stricter than in many other jurisdictions.
She explained that a crosswalk violation is not simply
a ticket to be paid but a "must appear" requiring
a court hearing which may result in up to a $500 fine
and 6 months in jail. Ms. Rice noted that it is difficult
to see pedestrians dressed in dark clothing and wondered
if fabrics might be improved to include reflective material.
Ms. Hargrave said that reminders are included in the
tip sheet for pedestrians and bikers to wear reflective
clothing and shoes, and for drivers to allow greater
braking and stopping distance when approaching crosswalks.
Mr. Oberlander suggested modeling a program that exists
in the District where, in addition to stiff fines, violators
are required to attend safety school for eight hours
to learn how to walk and drive. Other members agreed
that having safety campaigns, strict enforcement, and
stiff fines would be helpful. Mr. Sawicki noted that
during the winter snowplows created deposits that had
obstructed the sidewalks. He said pedestrians had no
choice but to walk in the street. Ms. Rice said NIH
does a good job of removing snow from its sidewalks.
Ms. Hargrave said that both the State and the County
had been responsible for plowing the local highways
and roads. Both departments are exploring methods to
improve pedestrian safety for any similar problems which
may occur in the future.
Ms. Hargrave concluded by passing out brochures. She
said she is willing to appear at meetings at schools
and civic associations and hopes members will contact
her about their pedestrian safety concerns.
Review of May 22 Meeting Minutes
Dr. Gallagher asked members to review last month's meeting
minutes. No corrections were voiced.
Members had asked about plans to count the number of
non-employees who cross the NIH Campus to access Metro.
Dr. Gallagher responded that an optimum time to conduct
a count is near the end of summer after the fence is
in place and the gates not yet installed. He said pedestrians
would be easier to count as they funnel through the
remaining open areas. Surveyors would be situated at
each of these areas and counts taken in 15-minute segments
at various times on unannounced selected days, and traffic
curves plotted. He said there would be no need to interview
pedestrians because NIH employees would be recognizable
because they will be wearing an ID badge. He added that
a turnstile count at the Metro station would also provide
information about the numbers of people
Ms. Hildebrand thought pedestrians, even without a
gate impeding entry, would avoid crossing the Campus
after the fence is installed, because they would feel
they should not enter the area. Jeanne Goldstein, Montgomery
County Civic Federation, emphasized that it is the Council
representative's job to relay information such as this
to the neighbors they represent. Ms. Hoos said that
notice should be given about the count taking place
because she believes people have changed their transit
patterns and are already avoiding crossing the Campus.
Morton Goldman, Sc.D., Luxmanor Citizens Association,
said in view of the rainy weather this spring his travel
behavior had changed, and it had nothing to do with
Metro or any factor other than the weather. Ms. Miller
said people could be given a range of time instead of
specific days for the survey. Dr. Gallagher said that
rather than putting out bulletins, residents should
share this information with their neighbors. Mr. Oberlander
agreed that the method to get the word out should be
through the civic associations, not by public announcement.
Mr. Schofer thought having a finite number of places
to intercept pedestrians would have only a slight impact
on the count. Ms. Mazuzan said that August is supposed
to be the biggest vacation month of the year and there
would be fewer pedestrians than normal to count. Dr.
Gallagher said the time would most likely be in September,
because the construction of the fence had been delayed
due by weather. Mr. Schofer said it would be important
to develop a procedure and to teach surveyors what to
do.
Dr. Gallagher said that he needs to conduct the survey
in order to plan the number of shuttle buses that will
carry passengers around the Campus perimeter after the
gates are installed. Ms. Hildebrand agreed that a cooperative
effort between volunteers from the residential areas
and NIH surveyors, as suggested by Dr. Gallagher, would
be a good way to proceed. She said she was willing to
work with Dr. Gallagher to design procedures and plans
for the survey. Ms. Miller asked to review the purposes
of the survey. Dr. Gallagher said the purpose is to
determine the number of non-employee pedestrians crossing
the Campus to access Metro and to plan buses for the
shuttle service NIH is providing.
NIAID Building 33 Complex Report and M-NCPPC Building
33 Complex Report
by Ronald Wilson, Division of Facilities Planning,
ORF, NIH
Mr. Wilson provided copies of two documents for the
members, including the NIAID Building 33 Complex
Preliminary Site & Building Plans/Final Foundation
Submission to the National Capital Planning Commission
June 6, 2003; and Building 33 Complex NIH Campus,
Bethesda, Maryland, National Capital Planning Commission
Preliminary Site & Building Plans/Final Foundation
Submission, with drawings including: site/landscaping
plans, floor plans, elevations, site/building sections,
and perspective renderings. These documents are copies
of those submitted to M-NCPPC and NCPC.
Other Items
Mr. Schofer reported that although the police officers
are controlling traffic on Rockville Pike at Wilson
Drive, traffic is backing up beginning at 3:30 p.m.
each workday. He feels the construction should be completed
as soon as possible to alleviate this backup when cars
are exiting NIH onto Rockville Pike. Dr. Gallagher said
he would inquire about this situation.
Mr. Oberlander encouraged those concerned about Building
33 to attend the July 1, 2003, forum of the M-NCPPC
and to provide comments to M-NCPPC staff before the
July 17 referral meeting.
Ms. Hildebrand mentioned that she is listed in the
CLC Member list and invited members to contact her regarding
the plans for the pedestrian count.
The meeting was adjourned.
ACTION ITEMS
- Dr. Gallagher will ask Mr. Giron to provide information
about perimeter pedestrian walkway patrol on weekends.
- Dr. Gallagher said he would find out about the significance
of the line that crosses to the north side of West
Cedar Lane shown on the small handout map.
- Dr. Gallagher will verify whether construction vehicles
will continue to enter Campus after the Center Drive
gate is installed.
- Dr. Gallagher said he would place information regarding
questions posed by members in the next OCL Update.
- Mr. Mitton said he would relay a question to Ms.
Gries about procedures to expand an existing parking
permit zone beyond that designated as a civic association
area.
- Ms. Hildebrand and Dr. Gallagher will design plans
and procedures for a count of non-employee pedestrians
who walk across Campus to the Metro station.
- Mr. Robertson suggested initiating a truck pool
for contractors. He pointed to the problem of cars
exiting NIH onto Rockville Pike at Wilson Drive, resulting
in traffic backing up beginning at 3:30 p.m. each
workday. Dr. Gallagher said he would inquire about
this situation.
Next CLC meeting: July 17, 2003.
ATTENDEES
CLC Members
- Lorraine Bell, Palladian Partners, Inc.
- Kimberly Cragg, OCL, OD, NIH
- Tom Gallagher, OCL, OD, NIH
- Morton Goldman, Sc.D., Luxmanor Citizens Association
- Jeanne Goldstein, Montgomery County Civic Federation
- Lesley Hildebrand, Huntington Terrace Citizens Association
- Nancy Hoos, Sonoma Citizens Association
- Debra Liverpool, YMCA-Bethesda
- Marilyn Mazuzan, Town of Oakmont
- Debbie Michaels, Glenbrook Village Homeowners Association
- Ginny Miller, Wyngate Citizens Association
- Walter Mitton, OCL, OD, NIH
- George Oberlander, Huntington Parkway Citizens Association
- Lucy Ozarin, M.D., Whitehall Condominium Association
- Eleanor Rice, Locust Hill Civic Association
- Tom Robertson, Parkwood Residents Association
- Stephen Sawicki, Edgewood Glenwood Citizens Association
- Ralph Schofer, Maplewood Citizens Association
- Randy Schools, R&W, NIH
- Stephanie Sechrist, NCPC
- Deborah Snead, B-CCSC
- J. Paul Van Nevel, NIH Alumni Association
Guests
- Tom Hayden, DFP, ORF, NIH
- Joan Kleinman, Office of Representative Chris Van
Hollen
- Ronald Wilson, DFP, ORF, NIH
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