HANDOUTS

• Agenda
  
• July 18, 2002, Community Liaison Council (CLC) Meeting Minutes
  
• NIH CLC Members (roster as of August 21, 2002)
  
• The NIH Record, August 6, 2002, Vol. LIV, No.16
  
• The NIH Record, August 20, 2002, Vol. LIV, No.17
  
• National Institutes of Health, Perimeter Fence Project, Project Report, August 2, 2002
  
• Access and Perimeter Security Plan Map, National Institutes of Health, August 2, 2002

WELCOME

Dr. Thomas Gallagher, Director, Office of Community Liaison (OCL), convened the meeting by welcoming attendees and reiterating his interest in meeting with members of the CLC in order to learn about the neighborhoods around the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the history of the area.

Dr. Gallagher introduced and welcomed Walter Mitton, a NIH Management Intern, who will be working with the OCL for the next 3 months.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

West Nile Virus
Dr. Gallagher referred to materials placed on a table for distribution, noting that on August 20, 2002, the Bethesda–Chevy Chase Regional Service Center (B–CCRSC) and Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted a forum about the West Nile Virus.

Perimeter Fence
Dr. Gallagher announced that a mock-up of the perimeter fence is on display, and he invited members of the CLC to visit the site. It is located halfway between the Bethesda Fire Station and The Children's Inn on the north side of the NIH Campus at the bottom of the hill. He directed members to walk onto the NIH Campus directly across the street from 5409 W. Cedar Lane. The purpose of the fence mock-up is to evaluate its construction and fabrication needs rather than its design. Stella Serras-Fiotes, Director of the NIH Office of Facilities Planning (OFP), said the fence would be on display for several weeks to permit viewing.

Share the Health Event
Dr. Gallagher invited CLC members to attend the OCL's annual health forum, Share the Health: An Exposition of Health Resources from NIH to Its Neighbors, which will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2002 and asked them to share information and materials about the forum with their neighbors. He announced that he would like to see this type of community event taking place throughout the year, not just on a once-a-year basis. Dr. Jeanne Billings asked for copies of the Share the Health flyer to present to members of the Wisconsin Condominium Association.

Storm Water Management
George Oberlander, of Huntington Parkway Citizens Association, questioned the merit of the stormwater pond environmental assessment process, which consists of an evaluation checklist. He encouraged further consideration of this approach in hopes of developing a more comprehensive assessment than currently is underway. He wondered if surface water movement, one of the techniques advocated to discourage mosquito breeding, would suffice. In addition, he stated that NIH neighbors need assurance about the measures that will be taken to control mosquitoes and to discourage other pests from inhabiting this site.

Dr. Lucy Ozarin offered that Whitehall Condominium Association's main concern was mosquito control at the proposed stormwater pond site, to be developed on southeast corner of the Campus near her neighborhood.

Ms. Serras-Fiotes informed the CLC about the experience NIH has had at its facility in Poolesville, MD, where the eco-system developed for mosquito and insect control included frogs and fish, grounds management, and other environment management techniques. She offered to share information about air and water movement at the Poolesville site with the Montgomery County DEP.

Biodefense Laboratory
Jack Costello of Bethesda Parkhill Citizens Association noted that the President's appropriations request for FY 2003 includes funding for a new biodefense laboratory that is proposed for the NIH Bethesda Campus. He remarked that, although members expressed concerns about the proposed site during recent CLC meetings, these concerns have not yet been addressed. In addition, he remarked that communications sent to the OCL in June, which included five or six specific questions, remained unanswered. Dr. Gallagher stated that the CLC's Agenda Subcommittee would consider placement of this matter on a future month's agenda. He requested that Mr. Costello resend his communication, as he began his position as OCL Director in July.

Dr. Kira Lueders noted that Parkwood Residents Association had anticipated her report about the laboratory at its upcoming meeting in September. Further, she stated the association opposes the lab's proposed location, near a built-up area and a school.

Dr. Gallagher introduced the Honorable Constance Morella, Congressional Representative from Maryland's 8th District. Congresswoman Morella stated the President's FY 03 budget was not currently approved, but would undergo review in the Appropriations Committee after Congress reconvenes. She expressed her appreciation for the open dialogue between the NIH and the CLC regarding the proposed laboratory and stated that she will continue to be a part of that dialogue.

NIH Metro Access
Lesley Hildebrand, CLC alternate member from Huntington Terrace Citizens Association, offered to share updated copies of her association's survey and charts about her neighborhood residents' use of and access to Medical Center Metro.

Marilyn Mazuzan of the Town of Oakmont emphasized that pedestrian access across the NIH Campus to Metro is essential to the members of her neighborhood.

Dr. Gallagher reiterated the sentiments of NIH Director, Dr. Elias Zerhouni, about finding ways to protect NIH and its needs without sacrificing convenience to NIH's neighbors and to provide a solution, not the appearance of a solution, for access to Metro.

NIH Outdoor Film Festival
Randy Schools of the NIH Recreation and Welfare Association remarked that an estimated 20,000 movie-goers will attend the NIH Outdoor Film Festival held this year at the Strathmore Hall/American Speech-Language-Hearing Association site. He stated that the Montgomery County Police will handle traffic management and that the neighbors near the new site have been supportive of the event.

Farmer's Market
Mr. Schools stated that he is working with the County's Office of Economic Development to situate the Farmers' Market in a new location that will meet the needs of the NIH employees and residents.

Eleanor Rice wondered if the Farm Women's Community Market site on Wisconsin Avenue had been considered. Further, she shared Locust Hill Civic Association's concern about the proposed biodefense lab building.

Comments by Rep. Morella
Congresswoman Morella remarked that, in addition to being the Congressional District's representative, she is also a neighbor of the NIH. Rep. Morella has sent her aides to past meetings of the CLC and has been in communication with the NIH Director and with Douglas Duncan, Montgomery County, Maryland's County Executive about current issues. She has been reviewing Medical Center Metro access and contiguous transportation issues as well as the needs and implications of security issues for NIH and the surrounding community. She has toured the Campus and remains attuned to issues regarding Metro access. She said her aide, Mr. Bill DiIorio, keeps her informed when he attends CLC meetings on her behalf, because her duties on the Hill generally do not permit her attendance at the 4 p.m. CLC meeting time.

Rep. Morella complimented the methodology used by the CLC and the NIH staff to share information and review mutual concerns; and she appreciates having the advice of the CLC. She remarked that NIH and the community have made good faith efforts to work together, and she congratulated the steps they are mutually considering to maintain a good relationship. Further, Rep. Morella congratulated Randy Schools on the success of the NIH Outdoor Film Festival. It was noted that Rep. Morella celebrated her 48th wedding anniversary at this year's presentation of the Wizard of Oz.

PRESENTATION

NIH Perimeter Fence Elements and Review of Plan
by Stella Serras-Fiotes, OFP, Office of Research Services (ORS), NIH

Ms. Serras-Fiotes prefaced her presentation by introducing Ron Wilson, NIH's new master planner, who for many years previously worked for the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). The schedule for review of the NIH Access and Perimeter Security Plan included a preliminary and final submission to the NCPC on August 2, 2002. The perimeter fence will be discussed at the Montgomery County Planning Board Meeting on October 10, 2002, and at the NCPC meeting on November 7, 2002.

A view of the NIH Bethesda campus, providing locations of contiguous streets and NIH Buildings, as well as details about each fence element, was displayed on a chart. Two smaller handouts of the chart were distributed for reference. Ms. Serras-Fiotes reviewed the fence elements, which include a perimeter fence, perimeter vehicle barriers, vehicular gates, electrical surveillance systems, and pedestrian gates. A black metal, picket-style fence (similar to that surrounding the White House) surrounds the two-mile outermost Campus areas, except where other types of barriers are necessary for access and egress. At these areas where additional protection is required, boulder barriers, cable, landscaping, or stone walls are planned. Ms. Serras-Fiotes stated wherever there is potential for vehicle vulnerability, extra protection and measures are planned.

The perimeter fence provides a 100-foot pedestrian standoff from NIH buildings and a 250-foot vehicular standoff. Outside of the perimeter fence there will be a continuous sidewalk path for pedestrians. A paved bike path, planned in the NIH Master Plan, is to be developed in conjunction with the perimeter fence. It will eventually tie in with Montgomery County's bike path system.

Ms. Serras-Fiotes said the planners intend to respect the residential buffer zone, where neighbors on the south side of the campus typically use contiguous space for activities, although the map is drawn otherwise. The chain link fence on the south side of campus will remain and a green space will be maintained between the chain link fence and the perimeter fence.

Comments/Questions
Steve Sawicki of Edgewood Glenwood Citizens Association asked if the bike path could be moved closer to the fence to allow residents to use the green space for soccer and other activities. Ms. Serras-Fiotes said that it could and she will work with the planners to make the necessary adjustments.

Lesley Hildebrand of Huntington Terrace Citizens Association asked when the bike path would be constructed. Ms. Serras-Fiotes said that a paved path would be put in immediately following the construction of the fence, but a County-rated bike pathway would not be developed until later.

Several CLC members asked about the pedestrian entrances and how they would work. Ms. Serras-Fiotes said that all pedestrian entrances would be large enough to accommodate bikes and strollers. She pointed out where the pedestrian entrances were on the map and added that pedestrian access will also be allowed at the vehicle entrances. In response to a question about improvements to the entrances, Ms. Serras-Fiotes said that improvements will be made, but they are currently not part of this plan. She also added that the residents quarters were placed outside of the fence, since like other neighbors, they needed constant resident access to their homes.

Ms. Rice said she was concerned about the potential for security breaches if vehicles purposefully drove down the ravine toward the radiation safety building. Ms. Serras-Fiotes assured her that vulnerable topographical areas of the campus will be reinforced.

Mr. Oberlander asked about the residential fence, shown on display to be outside the NIH pedestrian fence, and pedestrian access to this area. Ms. Serras-Fiotes remarked that those living on campus would access their homes via separate vehicular gateways, which would also accommodate pedestrian entry.

Kristin O'Connor, M-NCPPC, asked if the fence will enclose or bypass the stormwater pond. Mr. Serras-Fiotes replied that the pond is to be outside of the perimeter fence. However, she noted the location of the perimeter fence and bike path on the soutwest corner and near the stormwater pond will be clarified.

Entry Point Design
by William C. Stratton, AIA, Louviere, Stratton, Yokel, LLC

The principal design elements for the vehicle and pedestrian gate entrances were discussed. Gates include cardkey entry at various points in the perimeter fence. The perimeter fence abuts the vehicular and pedestrian gates and gate houses. Their contemporary design reflects the modernity of recently constructed NIH buildings such as the Natcher Conference Center, Porter Neuroscience Center, and the National Library of Medicine. Compatible gate and entrance materials include stainless steel, glass, limestone, and tapering curved glass roofs.

During heightened security alerts, pedestrian employees will use a card that permits entry to a lighted vestibule space. The same card permits access to the campus through a second gate. Vestibule design and space also accommodates bikes, strollers, luggage or handicapped aids and devices. Guards can monitor the activity at these gates by camera both during the day and at night. Ms. Serras-Fiotes said other pedestrian and operational issues would be addressed in future planning sessions.

There will be nine non-commercial vehicular gates, for example, situated at Center, South, and Wilson Drives. Each will have a manned security guardhouse, day and night pedestrian employee card entry, liftgate barrier, and a sliding picket fence closed during the night.

Access to Metro
by Dr. Tom Gallagher, Director, OCL, OD, NIH, and Stella Serras-Fiotes, OFP, ORS, NIH

Dr. Gallagher reminded the CLC about the necessity to provide a secure campus workplace and Dr. Zerhouni's charge that NIH find a solution that would allow convenient access to the Medical Center Metro with minimal impact to local residents. Dr. Gallagher described six options for providing access to Metro that the NIH considered in depth. These options included: color-coded cards, biometric scanning, interior Campus shuttle buses, golf carts, and partnership with existing transportation systems. These options posed operational or seasonal impediments, significant costs, inconvenience to Metro riders, or increased security staffing.

Ms. Serras-Fiotes stated that the proposed solution expands the shuttle bus service that NIH currently uses to transport employees and patients to points around the internal NIH Campus, as well as to NIH facilities located outside the NIH Bethesda campus. The proposal would add an additional bus that will circle the external perimeter of the Campus that the general public can use to gain access to the Metro. The proposed route would use existing Ride-On stops and would begin and end at the Medical Center Metro station using the following route: depart from Medical Center Metro heading south on Rockville Pike to Woodmont Avenue to Battery Lane, west on Battery Lane to Old Georgetown Road, north on Old Georgetown Road to Cedar Lane, east on Cedar Lane to Rockville Pike, and south on Rockville Pike to Medical Center Metro.

The service would operate from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The circuit to and from Medical Center Metro has been timed at 15 minutes for the two-mile route. The new service will provide passengers several advantages: multiple stops, rapid access to Metro, a climate-controlled environment, a vehicle accessible to those with disabilities, cost-free transportation to riders, and expanded access local community members. In addition, Ms. Serras-Fiotes explained that, although ridership has unknown potential, NIH will monitor frequency, times, and peak ridership, and use this information to tailor service.

Comments/Questions
Several CLC members asked about if more buses could be added if ridership warranted it. Dr. Gallagher said that if ridership increases, NIH may need to consider other options, such as adding more buses during peak transit times.

Mr. Schools suggested that the Bethesda 8 shuttle bus coordinate with the NIH campus bus for further transportation options.

The CLC members and Rep. Morella felt that NIH has made a good faith effort extending this service to the community and complimented the solution.

OTHER BUSINESS

Future CLC Meetings and Topics
The next CLC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 19, 2002, at the Natcher Conference Center, Building 45, Room F1/F2.

Future agenda items may include the following topics:

• The Agenda Subcommittee will consider when to discuss the proposed biodefense laboratory.
  
• The location of the perimeter fence and bike path on the southwest corner and near the stormwater pond will be clarified. (The fence chart showed the fence traversing and splitting an area used for neighborhood activities.)
  
• Share the Health event report

Action Items

• CLC members can view the mock-up perimeter fence, which should remain up for viewing for several weeks.
  
• Mr. Costello and others are invited to send concerns and comments about the biodefense laboratory to Dr. Gallagher.
  
• Ms. Serras-Fiotes, with Tony Clifford, will review the placement of the perimeter fence and bike path on the southwest corner. The area near the storm water pond will also be clarified.

ATTENDEES

CLC Members

• Lorraine Bell, Palladian Partners, Inc.
• Jeanne Billings, Wisconsin Condominium Association
• Jack Costello, Bethesda Parkhill Association
• Harvey Eisen, Edgewood Glenwood Citizens Association
• Ina Feinberg, City Commons of Bethesda
• Tom Gallagher, OCL, OD, NIH
• Jeanne Goldstein, Montgomery County Civic Federation
• Jennie Kirby, OCL, OD, NIH
• Terry LaMotte, Palladian Partners, Inc.
• Eric Larsen, Sonoma Citizens Association
• Kira Lueders, Parkwood Residents Association
• Marilyn Mazuzan, Town of Oakmont
• Debbie Michaels, Glenbrook Village Homeowners Association
• Walter Mitton, OCL, OD, NIH
• George Oberlander, Huntington Parkway Citizens Association
• Kristin O'Conner, M-NCPPC
• Lucy Ozarin, Whitehall Condominium Association
• Eleanor Rice, Locust Hill Civic Association
• Sharon Robinson, OCL, OD, NIH
• Stephen Sawicki, Edgewood Glenwood Citizens Association
• Randy Schools, Recreation & Welfare Association, NIH
• Stella Serras-Fiotes, OFP, ORS, NIH
• Deborah Snead, Bethesda-Chevy Chase Services Center

Alternates to CLC representatives

• Lesley Hildebrand, Huntington Terrace Citizens Association
  

Guests

• David Chung, ORS, NIH
• Bill DiIorio, Aide to U.S. Representative, Constance Morella
• Catherine Dolinski, Gazette Newspapers
• Arturo Giron, OFP, ORS, NIH
• Tom Hayden, OFP, ORS, NIH
• Scott Herbstman, Gazette Newspapers
• Constance Morella, U.S. Congress, 8th District Representative
• William C. Stratton, AIA, Louviere, Stratton, Yokel, LLC
• Shelley Weidl, Louviere, Stratton, Yokel, LLC
• Ron Wilson, OFP, ORS, NIH