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Community Liaison Council Meeting
Minutes
HANDOUTS
Janyce Hedetniemi, Director of the Office of Community Liaison (OCL), welcomed Community Liaison Council (CLC) members and guests to this special meeting of the Council. Ms. Hedetniemi gave a brief summary about the CLC. The CLC was established in 1995 and provides a regular forum for community associations, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), and the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) to join in partnership with government representatives and elected officials to inform NIH, and to be informed about NIH.
Temporary Parking at Lot 41 Ms. Serras-Fiotes explained the reason behind the immediate and urgent need to add parking space is a direct result of new security measures on the NIH campus since September 11th. The most important measure is the inspection sites set up around the campus. Security must inspect all visitor vehicles, and inspect again all vehicles going into underground parking structures; this requires a set aside area and results in the loss of spaces for parking. A number of parking lots have also been closed due to their proximity to certain buildings. To compound this loss of space, another lot is to close in two weeks due to construction. Ms. Serras-Fiotes reviewed the loss of 520 parking spaces. A portion of Lot 10K is currently used for security-related measures. This lot will be completely eliminated when construction of the Fire Station begins, totaling a loss of 145 spaces. Inspections on the ramp entering the parking garage at Building 10, Ramp P-1, eliminates 60 spaces. Inspections on the top floor of Multi-Level Parking (MLP) Garage 7, on the southeast corner of campus, eliminates 95 spaces. Inspections for underground parking conducted on the quadrant outside Natcher Plaza eliminates 35 spaces. Twenty spaces on Center Drive are now used for truck inspections. Truck inspections are also conducted in Lot 10E, west of Building 10, resulting in the loss of 30 spaces; in two weeks, this lot will be entirely eliminated and used for truck inspections when construction begins (total loss of 75 spaces). Twenty spaces at Traffic Circle 35B were lost in October when construction began on the Neuroscience Research Center. Lot 13C closed because of its proximity to a critical building, resulting in the loss of 70 spaces. And the lot next to the Power Plant also closed due to its location. Ms. Serras-Fiotes detailed the reasoning behind the location choice for the temporary lot. She said the southwest of campus is the only flat area that allows the project to quickly proceed without major destruction of landscaping and trees. Other areas on campus have trees and substantial slopes disallowing paving of any significant dimension. She emphasized the proposal is for a surface of cold asphalt milling over a textile membrane and is one step above putting down gravel. The lot can be easily removed without damaging the substructure and, if necessary, allows for replanting grass. Ms. Serras-Fiotes said she would like to give a date when the lot could be removed, but she can not. She is hopeful funding will occur for a multi-level parking structure that has been discussed at previous CLC meetings. If funding is received, NIH would be in a position to remove the temporary lot within one year to 15 months. She added if other solutions could be found and still allow for the inspections, or if inspection criteria change, such as eliminating the need for underground parking inspections, then a number of spaces could be freed up. Ralph Schofer from Maplewood Citizens Association inquired as to why cars are not inspected in the same manner when parking next to buildings as for underground. He felt one "sufficient" inspection should be enough. Ms. Serras-Fiotes replied it is something they have considered, but can not implement now because of their inability to deploy more staff for inspection sites. Ms. Serras-Fiotes addressed the fact that they have looked at alternatives to parking on campus since 1992. Traffic has been reduced in and out of campus during peak hours by approximately 30 percent. This figure is based on biannual counts submitted to NCPC and the Montgomery County Planning Board. NIH has aggressively pursued a range of transportation management initiatives; while NIH continues to promote and encourage alternative means, they are near the point where they have reached all those that can use alternative means. Ms. Serras-Fiotes presented details regarding transportation management at NIH. The Transhare program has seen tremendous growth in less than one year from 2,400 to 3,700 participants. Ms. Serras-Fiotes contributes this to the $65 monthly subsidy for those using public transportation. She hopes for a $35 subsidy increase in January 2002, but she believes there is a point where this option is not convenient for some people. Other transportation options provided are: 400 registered carpools/vanpools; 525 bicycle racks located across the campus; 730 rented satellite parking spaces in four area locations; and a fleet of 20 NIH shuttle buses carrying 3,000 riders per day, reducing the number of cars driving back and forth. Less than 45 percent of NIH employees arrive on campus in single occupancy vehicles. Ms. Serras-Fiotes outlined three options for temporary parking at Lot 41. The initial proposal, Lot T-2, would extend immediately west of the existing lot on the south campus, sit 100 feet from the fenceline, and reach approximately to the end of the tennis courts. This lot adds 270 spaces, and costs an estimated $90,000. The impacts of Lot T-2 are it lies fully within the south buffer zone; half of the lot backs up to residential parking lots and roads; and the other half backs up to townhomes. The second option, Lot T-3, would be located west of Lot 41C with the western portion along the tree line and 150 feet from the fenceline. This lot adds 195 spaces, and costs an estimated $70,000. The impacts of Lot T-3 are it lies partially within the west buffer zone; half of the lot backs up to NIH tennis courts; and the other half backs up to single-family homes. The third option, Lot T-4, would sit west of Lot 41C—partially in the same area as Lot T-3—over the existing tennis courts, and 250 feet from the west and south fencelines. Lot T-4 adds 290 spaces, and costs an estimated $130,000. This lot lies outside the buffer zones. The loss of the tennis courts could mean an increased cost to replace them—possibly in the buffer area—but the courts are not operational from November through March, giving Ms. Serras-Fiotes' office time to find another location, and relocate if possible. Ms. Serras-Fiotes reassured the CLC that NIH does not take these actions lightly. Her office is responsible for transportation planning, and they are under an immense amount of internal pressure to find a solution. She has received volumes of e-mails from employees complaining that they come to campus and can not find parking. In addition, she received a call from the Office of the Director of NIH asking what measures were being taken to solve the parking problem. Her office is fully aware of the impact to the surroundings. Ms. Hedetniemi added NIH was probably the most open federal agency prior to September 11th and a great loss of that openness coupled with the loss of lives, sense of security, and confidence has affected us all. She is not happy that the nature of the campus has to change, but she assured the CLC NIH would do what it can to open the facility when the level of security lessens. NIH values their association with the community. DISCUSSION Breach of Faith Harvey Eisen, representing the Edgewood Glenwood Citizens Association, felt a breach of faith took place when construction crews dumped dirt on site. He said the temporary parking lot was not on the agenda at the last CLC meeting and suggested something covert was happening. He explained this was the reason so many upset community members attended this meeting. Ginny Miller, from Wyngate Citizens Association, agreed and added that NIH immediately goes into the buffer zone when a problem arises. Many other CLC members echoed these statements. Pat Southerland, from Huntington Parkway Citizens Association, added the CLC has been fighting for the MLP a long time and encouraged fellow members to contact their government representatives and push for its funding. Mort Goldman, representative from Luxmanor Citizens Association, stressed this point as well. He added that the community must recognize the world has changed since September 11th. He has worked closely with Ms. Hedetniemi and Ms. Serras-Fiotes and feels they did not lie or breach any trust; they made a mistake. In response, Ms. Hedetniemi formally apologized to the members and guests. She said she is not directly aware of the daily traffic situation or the pressures of added security measures. She said Ms. Serras-Fiotes is diligent in keeping her office informed, but under the duress, the topic was omitted from the last CLC agenda. She stressed the omission was not a breach of faith nor intentional. Once the omission was realized, Ms. Serras-Fiotes contacted Ms. Hedetniemi. She pointed out that this meeting was held to make amends and reminded the community members that no other federal agency works with their community in this manner. Ms. Serras-Fiotes addressed the group's concerns about dirt being dumped in the southern area of the campus. She said the contractor made a mistake by starting work on the temporary parking lot proposal before a signed work order was in place. She added that her office instructed the contractor to stop all work until she had an opportunity to review these proposals with the CLC. Lot T-4George Oberlander, representative for Huntington Parkway Citizens Association, commented that Lot T-4 is the only proposal not in the buffer zone. Therefore, it is the best choice out of the three alternatives. Mr. Southerland added this is the only option he sees as viable as well. Mort Goldman supports T-4 as he does not see tennis being critical to NIH's mission. Michael Shapiro, a resident of Whitehall Condominium Association, believes T-4 is somewhat more expensive, but the obvious choice because the tennis courts could not be used most of the year. John Sateri, from Edgewood Glenwood, was the only attendee who commented that Lot T-4 may be a viable option to the others, but not to him. He said he runs on campus every day and sees a lot of open spaces. He is worried the temporary lot will have a negative effect on his property value. He suggested NIH look into areas located on Woodmont Avenue and Cedar Avenue. Scott Matejik, also from Edgewood Glenwood, said he too is concerned about property values, but he is also concerned with setting a precedent. If NIH is allowed to build the temporary lot, where will it stop? Ms. Hedetniemi acknowledged T-4 is not an option to some and they would research the suggested alternatives at Woodmont, Cedar, and Wisconsin Avenues. Removal Agreement Another community member suggested taking the money that would be spent on the temporary lot and use it instead toward the Transhare program. Mr. Shapiro inquired if further satellite parking could be implemented at the Navy campus and Walter Reed. Harvey Eisen asked if offsite satellite parking is full and if more spaces could be added. Ms. Serras-Fiotes said it fluctuates, but is much more full than it has been in the past. She added that 400 spaces could not be added. Further, Metro is threatening to take away their satellite spaces. One community member wanted to know if telecommuting is an option.
This is a very small program we tend to pursue, replied Ms. Serras-Fiotes.
It is not very successful because of the nature of work on the campus.
People have to be in their labs. As another option, alternative work
schedules are coming into wider use. Drainage Problems Timothy Coogan, a resident at Camelot Mews, added the area for Lot T-2 drains onto their land. During light rain, floods occur. Asphalt would only compound the problem. Ms. Hedetniemi noted these problems and will have NIH personnel talk to them. Extra Shuttle Buses Review Reserved Parking on Campus/Redefine Culture
at NIH Task Force for Tennis Court Use Other Discussion Items Ralph Nossal, representing Battery Park Association, questioned the accuracy of the data. Ms. Serras-Fiotes assured him the data is accurate as she and Lynn Mueller frequently inspect the campus. Another community member suggested reviewing the number of cars that enter the campus on an average day to compare with the peak hour figures. Mr. Sawicki presented a proposal document from a construction firm dated September 19th. He said this was proof that NIH acted immediately after the terrorist attacks to construct in the buffer zone. Ms. Serras-Fiotes acknowledged they did scope the area out, but the document is a proposal providing an estimate, not a contract. Ms. Goldstein remarked other CLC members have ignored the purpose of NIH while presenting their comments. She said taxpayers pay for research and clinical facilities. NIH's purpose is not to provide recreation and lawns for the community. She felt if NIH needs the space for parking to continue their work then they must have it. She added the buffer zone was never mandated by law, and NIH must follow the current federal law to provide security on campus; the CLC is an advisory group only. A few community members requested the aesthetics at NIH be kept intact. They do not want to see NIH acquiesce to paving the campus. Mr. Sawicki added building in the buffer zone is completely wrong. Residents who live around the area consider this to be their recreation area. James Craig, a resident at Edgewood Glenwood, thought NIH needed to get permits and plan with Maryland environmental officials in order to proceed with construction. He said the Wetland Department should be contacted if a marshy area existed on campus. Ms. Serras-Fiotes assured him they already had this done in 1995 and NIH is not considered a wetland. She said permits are not required because the proposed service is semi-pervious. Mr. Craig requested a copy of the paperwork regarding the wetlands. Ms. Hedetniemi told him copies are available in the Environmental Reading Room. A few members of the community felt NIH had overreacted to September 11th. Ms. Hedetniemi said NIH is under executive orders to comply with security measures, especially under the recently heightened security alerts. Ginny Miller believes the CLC should request the M-NCPPC and the NCPC review the Master Plan and the commitment made to the community. She would like them to clarify the buffer zone issue. She offered to write a letter representing the CLC. Mr. Sawicki inquired why they needed to talk to the NCPC. Ms. Miller said NIH attains their permission in these matters. Ms. Hedetniemi suggested she wait until after the November 15th meeting. Ms. Hedetniemi would like to table a discussion of what to say to NCPC.
Ms. Hedetniemi will talk to the engineers and ground maintenance at NIH and have them determine if anything at NIH is causing a drainage problem at Whitehall and Camelot Mews. Ms. Serras-Fiotes will continue to look for alternatives to the parking problem on campus, and report any findings at the next CLC meeting. Ms. Hedetniemi and Ms. Serras-Fiotes will review the list of community concerns at the next meeting. Ms. Serras-Fiotes' office will discontinue the construction of the temporary lot until further notice. The Council agreed to table a discussion on what issues need to be raised with M-NCPPC and NCPC.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2001 at
4 p.m., at the Natcher Conference Center, Room D, on the NIH Campus.
Attendees: Guests:
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