CLC Meeting Minutes: February 2008

Community Liaison Council Meeting Minutes
February 21, 2008, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Visitor Information Center, Building 45 (Natcher Building)
Conference Room D
National Institutes of Health

ANNOUNCEMENTS—Dennis Colman, Co-Chair; Ginny Miller, Co-Chair

Mr. Coleman opened the meeting and noted the larger than normal amount of paper in the meeting handout. The volume is attributable to additional handouts from the January meeting, which was canceled because of an ice storm the afternoon of the meeting.

The following announcements were made:

The future of Battery Lane Park will be considered at a meeting March 12 at the County’s Bethesda/Chevy Chase Regional Service Center at 7:00 pm.
Brad Moss, ORS, introduced Bill Cullen, the new ORS Director of Security and Emergency Response. Mr. Cullen stated that he was glad to be on board at NIH and to have this opportunity to introduce himself to nearby community representatives. As background for Mr. Cullen, Mr. Coleman explained that the CLC was formed in 1995 when the NIH Director sought community input for the NIH Master Plan. Since then, the CLC has become an institution which facilitates the interface between NIH and its neighbors.
Ron Wilson reported that, in response to a request from a local developer, NIH will allow temporary access of construction workers to a 25-foot wide swath of NIH property near Woodmont and Wisconsin Avenues. A motel at that location is being replaced with a condominium project.

FACILITIES- Ron Wilson, ORF

Route 355 Streetscape Plan—Ron Wilson, ORF
About a year ago, with the opening of the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF), ORF began planning to better integrate the streetscape along the MD355 campus frontage with more effective & coordinated screening & landscaping. Rhodeside & Harwell Inc. has been hired as the landscape architect, in collaboration with Metropolitan Architects and Planners. The 1-year study will begin with a draft streetscape plan, summary design guidelines, and a final streetscape plan. CLC members will have the opportunity to give input at each phase.

Mr. Wilson introduced Dev Duggal, president of Metropolitan Architects and Planners. Metropolitan is also working on several other projects for NIH and other government agencies, including Judiciary Square, and the Census Bureau headquarters in Suitland, Maryland. Their role in the streetscape plan will be to administer the contract and coordinate the project, about 10% of the total effort.

Mr. Wilson then introduced Elliot Rhodeside and Deana Rhodeside of Rhodeside & Harwell, landscape architects, planners, and urban designers (about 90% of the project). They have been designing and planning urban streetscapes in the DC area, including Georgia Avenue in the Petworth area, 17th Street from Massachusetts Avenue to New Hampshire Avenue, the perimeter security around the Department of State, banks along the Anacostia River in Prince Georges County, and the Bethesda Master Plan. For the streetscape along MD355, they will work with both NIH security & planning staff. They will be specifying coordinated materials and surface treatments as part of their design work.

Ms. Miller expressed a desire for more effective screening of the industrial-looking CVIF and the institutional-looking Gateway Center. Ms. Voltz expressed concern about protecting MD355 traffic from possible explosions originating at the CVIF. Rhodeside & Harwell will eventually investigate that but will first survey the sites and report back to the CLC in a few months to elicit particular concerns.

South Fence Graphic & Relocation Issue—Ron Wilson, ORF
Mr. Sawicki brought up a vacant lawn area inside the fence near the existing recreation field (aka South Lawn) and asked why NIH could not move that fence and open up more land for community use. He said that about 10 years ago, a “temporary” NIH parking lot (#41) had expanded into what was supposed to have been an open, 250 foot wide buffer. Less than 100 feet of buffer still remains. NIH has stated that when the temporary lot is removed, the buffer space would be reinstated, but with the passage of time, that seems increasingly unlikely.

Recently, Mr. Sawicki was told that (1) NIH needs the vacant lawn area to remain inside the fence for blast protection (but an ORF slide indicates that sufficient space of at least 250 ft. would remain if the fence was moved); (2) NIH uses the vacant lawn to train security dogs, (but NIH could still do that if the fence was moved); and (3) NIH employees use the vacant lawn for lunchtime recreation (but he has never seen anyone having lunch or recreating there). In short, hundreds of homeowners in the area could apparently benefit more from public access to this space than NIH benefits from fencing it off.

Mr. Coleman summarized his take on the NIH position as follows:

The county (not NIH) is responsible for providing local recreation facilities.
The CLC is not authorized to make decisions about use of NIH property, but it can be a forum to express & explain NIH & neighbor positions on the issue.
NIH is restricted to expending resources in support of its biomedical research mission.
The community has yet to show a groundswell of public concern on this issue or that the existing recreation field is inadequate or fatally flawed (recognizing that it drains poorly in wet weather).

Mr. Clifford added that NIH had already placed portions of the fence farther into the campus than required for the buffer in order to accommodate safe public sledding (i.e. a flat place to stop without running into the fence was provided). The vacant lawn was once a parking lot, but it has been reseeded, and the Master Plan shows it as being vacant & inside the fence. Mr. Wilson saw the question as whether public use would foreclose future options that NIH may need to keep open.

Mr. Oberlander saw the issue in terms of what land use provides the most public benefit. Moving the fence would increase the size of the area used by the community from 3 or 4 acres to 5 or 6 acres (an obvious benefit) without compromising any NIH facilities or the current master plan. Mr. Schofer noted that the purpose of the fence is security, not delineation of recreational land, so the 2 issues are separable. Ms. Miller reiterated that regardless of public access, the stated intent of NIH has always been to maintain a buffer at least 250 feet wide between NIH facilities & the adjacent community, and that buffer does not exist adjacent to lot 41. In response to Ms. Votz’s question about the purpose of the 250-foot buffer, Mr. Moss said that security staff (Lou Klepitch) had previously explained its security purpose. Ms. Miller recalled that as far as the community was concerned, the buffer purposes included aesthetics, noise, safety, and recreation, as well as security.

Mr. Coleman suggested that since several position elements had been stated on each side, summarizing NIH & community perspectives on this issue might help and certainly couldn’t hurt, so he volunteered to do that for the next CLC meeting. He reminded the group however, that the CLC is an information and feedback forum and as such, has no authority to make decisions about federal property. Also, future master plan updates might be a more appropriate process by which to resolve buffer & public access issues. Finally, NIH should develop some idea of how much it might cost to move the fence, which could make the issue moot for the foreseeable future. Mr. Oberlander added that NIH land is technically owned by the public, and the public deserves to have buffer and access issues resolved and documented in the next Master Plan.

NIH BRAC Impact Analysis—Dan Wheeland, ORF Director
Mr. Wheeland reviewed the recent NIH analysis of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) impacts on Bethesda. Consistent with the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA), the Navy’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) identified 3 alternatives. The “No Action” alternative was not seriously evaluated, since exercising that option would require Congress to change BRAC law, which it has never done during previous BRAC rounds. Both of the alternatives that were evaluated are similar in scope, each involving major expansion of Navy Med (aka NNMC). Construction, renovation and demolition totals ~$900M for each option. When the project is completed in 2011, NNMC will be renamed Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC).

The Bethesda BRAC DEIS indicates variable increases in the number of inpatient beds (19%), patients and visitors (106%), employees (31%), and parking spaces (29%). Congestion of local transportation infrastructure appears to be the most significant impact. Most local intersections are already rated at the most congested level (aka LoS F). Due to increased staff (up to 2500) and outpatient appointments (~1900), BRAC will increase both rush hour and business hour traffic, but the amount of increase is uncertain since the DEIS is rather vague, nor does it address construction, volunteer, shopping (the base PX is also being expanded) and other sources of traffic. The DEIS projects only one intersection reaching LoS F as a result of BRAC, but this conclusion neglects that other, already failing intersections are likely to become more congested as well. Mr. Wheeland thinks that commuters will find other routes, which will tend to make LoS F conditions more wide spread.

Mr. Schofer, a retired transportation engineer, said that alternate routes are already filled with traffic, so there are in fact few if any alternatives that commuters who drive can chose from. Also, the F rating doesn’t tell the whole story. There is congestion along all the local corridors (routes 355, 187 & 185), which the LoS F ratings for single corridors can’t express. For example, when the duration of the LoS F period increases, a point can be reached when the corridors interact, the peak period lasts all day, and congestion becomes essentially inescapable.

Mr. Wheeland explained that it is in everyone’s interest for the Final EIS (FEIS) to be as comprehensive and accurate as possible. Then, when federal, state and county officials consider funding of congestion remedies, they will at least have the right facts and can reasonably prioritize, since funding is bound to be limited, especially in the short term (3-5 years). The FEIS must in short document all of the consequences of the proposed BRAC expansion, since no other opportunities to do that are likely to occur. If traffic congestion becomes unmanageable, NIH won’t be able to attract or retain the best employees. Cumulative impacts must also be considered since BRAC is not the only development taking place in Bethesda.

Recommendations based on NIH’s review of the BRAC DEIS address the following areas:

What the county, state & federal government can do:

Maintain and increase mass transit, especially Metro access from the base.
Ensure pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Implement short term local intersection and roadway improvements ASAP.
Support & conduct long-range project studies (e.g. I495 ramps, Purple Line)

What DoD can do:

Ensure that the EIS is comprehensive, accurate and captures the true impacts.
Establish & support an effective TDM (transportation demand management) program.
Optimize base interfaces with public roads (e.g. signage, access via Connecticut Ave. & Jones Bridge Rd., turn lanes to prevent base access from blocking thru traffic)

What NIH can do:

Continue TDM commitment to maintain commute trips at or below 1992 levels.
Identify & facilitate telework, flextime & other commute reduction opportunities
Continue & expand if necessary remote parking lots & supporting shuttle services.
Increase car/van pool & mass transit incentives (special parking, fare reimbursement).
Encourage walking & cycling commutes, including support facilities like showers.
Optimize CVIF & Gateway Center operations & circulation patterns.
Encourage NIH recruits to find housing near campus or mass transit services.

Mr. Schofer questioned the value of satellite parking. It may pull vehicles off the road, but it complicates commutes. Mr. Moss reported that NIH currently offers free satellite parking, with reliable shuttle service every half hour. He agreed that it does add travel time to commutes. Mr. Wheeland pointed out that remote lots & shuttle services allow a family to get by with one car with less time lost dropping off or picking up family members who work at the main campus.

Ms. Miller thanked Mr. Wheeland for devoting staff time and effort to understanding BRAC and encouraged him to continue to identify, analyze and seek mitigation of its impacts on Bethesda. She feels that politicians and DoD officials are more likely to listen and respond to NIH input compared to that of individual neighbors or even homeowner associations.

Mr. Coleman announced that NIH’s DEIS comment letter to the Navy is in the handout and that Dr. Zerhouni is scheduled for a BRAC briefing on 4/10/08.

Response to Safety Concern—Lynn Mueller, ORF
Ms. Votz had previously reported a dangerous intersection at the northernmost entrance to NIH (north of North Drive). In response, Mr. Mueller had the driveway surface painted (“SLOW PED X-ING”), installed bollards & placed boulders to direct bicyclists to the marked crosswalks, and added signage to warn commuters to slow down and pedestrians to be alert.

Mr. Coleman said that he appreciated the dual nature of the actions taken since both speeding commuters and inattentive pedestrians contribute to the problem. Mr. Schofer complemented the timeliness of the response.

Mr. Mueller noted the absence of further close calls and complaints, which indicates that the measures are effective.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

South Lawn Drainage Issue—Tony Clifford, ORF

Mr. Clifford summarized his recent contacts with county representatives regarding their potential role in fixing poor drainage of the South Lawn. In response to the material Mr. Clifford sent to Bruce Johnson (Department of Public Works Capital Projects Manager), the County’s official position is that the county has programmed no funds for work on NIH property, and Mr. Johnson will not recommend that they do so. At a follow-up meeting on January 22, Mr. Johnson reiterated that once the water enters NIH property, it is not the County’s responsibility. Mr. Johnson has no objection to working with NIH to resolve the situation, however.

The underground gas and electric lines make establishing a rain garden unrealistic. Replacing the underground 8 inch drainage pipe with a larger pipe would convey the water to the County system downstream, but that would incur significant expense, would not allow for surface water filtering, and may overload the downstream storm drain. The best solution seems to be constructing a west-to-east storm drain to convey water in an open channel or swale, parallel to the fence line. The swale would be a few feet deep, planted with water-loving species and remain uncut. The county also recommends tilling to improve the soil’s permeability down to a depth of 2 feet. Mr. Oberlander noted that the land 25 to 30 feet out from the swale would no longer be suitable for walking, but that may be the price of making the rest of the field more useable.

Mr. Clifford noted that the County is hopefully less able to walk away from doing something about the stagnant pool at the out-fall of the 21-inch pipe. The outlet area is now poorly maintained and populated with vines and insects, including poison ivy and mosquitoes. Since the pipe occupies County property, they have a responsibility to manage the pipe outlet area, including the formation and stagnation of pools. Installing rip-rap would eliminate erosion around the pipe, and improve the topography, so any action NIH might take on the field could be more effective.

Mr. Sawicki suggested that NIH add its own rip-rap and then replace the underground 8 inch pipe with a 16-inch pipe.

Mr. Clifford said that he would have to look at the 8 inch underground pipe with regard to its location, slope, condition and capacity. It was never designed to carry the amount of water that could drain off the 30 acres of suburban hardscape adjacent to NIH property. Also, a water-damaged tree on NIH property has recently been removed from in front of the County pipe, but the stagnant water that damaged it is on county property and has not been remedied, so a replacement tree is not now possible at that location. He also said that he needs to investigate the estimated drainage capacity of the proposed swale. Another option might be to fill in the ditch on the north side of the field, in case that is contributing to water flowing onto the field.

The next step however, is to engage the county on what they can do about the pipe outlet area and the stagnant water around it. Another action item is to contact the Clean Water Task Force (whose representative was unable to attend the 1/22/08 meeting with the County) and ascertain what if any role they could play.

TRANSPORTATION—Tom Hayden, ORS

Wilson Drive/Rockville Pike & #355 North-side Crosswalk Location
The State Hwy Administration (SHA) is in the process of making the improved crosswalks at Wilson Drive and Rockville Pike comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Because it would be complicated and expensive to put the pedestrian crosswalk to the south side of the intersection (as originally planned), SHA put it on the north side. Mr. Hayden will find out whether pedestrians will be able to activate the traffic light to cross Rockville Pike.

South Drive Turn Radius
NIH is considering the widening of South Drive where it intersects Rockville Pike so buses can turn more easily without impeding southbound thru traffic. An NIH consultant is looking at options given space and cost constraints.

Ms. Michaels reported that at the most recent BRAC implementation meeting (February 19), Metro staff indicated that they have a planning project underway now that could affect NIH property around the South Drive intersection. They said that the project involves working with Navy and NIH staff to improve circulation and transit station access as a result of BRAC. NIH planners (ORF) said that they have not yet been contacted by Metro staff. Mr. Coleman will provide ORF with the Metro contact.

Ms. Lueders remarked that buses entering or leaving South Dr. for some reason don’t seem to take advantage of right turn on red opportunities, which holds up traffic more than necessary. Mr. Hayden will check on whether buses are allowed to do this and if so, why they don’t.

Mr. Hayden announced a seminar series to promote NIH’s TDM program. These are scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month in Conference Room 6 of Building 31. The series begins March 4.

Mr. Hayden then said that he had talked to county representative Sandy Brecker about designating a cell-phone waiting area along Cedar Lane. NIH is doing this for patients, but Cedar Lane is a county road, so County staff would have to look into it from their own perspective.

Finally, Mr. Hayden said that shuttle ridership has been steady. The number of riders continues to be seasonal and weather-related (higher ridership in winter & wet weather). There are no outstanding issues with regard to shuttles being late or not stopping where they are supposed to stop.

INFORMATION FORUM—Dennis Coleman, OCL, Co-Chair

Miscellaneous Hand-out Items
Mr Coleman referred attendees to the extensive handout. No further discussion occurred since the time was nearing 6 p.m..

ROUND ROBIN—Ginny Miller, CLC Co-Chair

Comments and Concerns
Several CLC members received emails from the Navy base medical university inviting them to a showing of a documentary film about military health care for wounded soldiers. This may signal more community outreach to increase public understanding of the new Walter Reed facility and one of its missions.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
Next meeting: March 20, 2008

PARTICIPANTS

CLC Members
Willie Antman, West Bethesda Park
Marian Bradford, Camelot Mews
Jean Harnish. Whitehall
Deborah Michaels, Glenbrook Village
Ginny Miller, Wyngate
George Oberlander, Huntington Parkway
Lucy Ozarin, Whitehall
Lesley Hildebrand, Huntington Terrace
Darrell Lemke, Bethesda Parkview
Marilyn Mazuzan, Town of Oakmont
Stephen Sawicki, Edgewood Glenwood
Ralph Schofer, Maplewood
Beth Voltz, Locust Hill

Liaison Representative
Kira Lueders, NIH Alumni Association
Randy Schools, NIH R&W Association

NIH Staff
Anthony Clifford, ORF
Dennis Coleman, OCL
Bill Cullen, ORS
Howard Hochman, ORF
Brad Moss, ORS
Lynn Mueller, ORF
Sharon Robinson, OCL
Mike Spillane, ORS
Ron Wilson, ORF
Dan Wheeland, ORF
Tom Hayden, ORS

Guests
Dev Duggal, MAP Inc
Joan Kleinman, Rep. Van Hollen’s Office
Deanna Rhodeside, Rhodeside & Harwell Inc
Elliot Rhodeside, Rhodeside & Harwell Inc

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