July 2008

NCPC Monthly E-Newsletter
Providing you with current news and other information of interest.
Please share your feedback at info@ncpc.gov

The National Capital Framework Plan, a joint effort of NCPC and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, aims to create vibrant and accessible destinations in the federal precincts around the National Mall. On July 10, during a special morning session, the Commission released the National Capital Framework Plan for a 90-day public review and comment period. The plan is available for viewing on NCPC’s website, or can be requested at FrameworkPlan@ncpc.gov or by calling 202-482-7301. Comments may be submitted through October 10. Organizations interested in scheduling a briefing on the Framework Plan are encouraged to contact us.

A National Capital Framework Plan public meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. The evening will begin with an open house at 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. followed by a brief presentation and discussion. The public meeting will take place at NCPC’s offices at 401 9th Street, NW, Suite 500 North. Please RSVP by Friday, July 18 to FrameworkPlan@ncpc.gov or call 202-482-7301.

The afternoon session of the July 10 Commission meeting included the review of six action items including review of the final master plan for the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Northwest, DC. Following testimony by more than two dozen individuals, the Commission approved Zone A and directed the applicant to return Zones B and C to the AFRH campus. The Commission also approved modifications to the proposed parking supply and transit service. Approval was based on the Home’s commitment to work with NCPC, the District, the National Park Service, and the community to explore the feasibility of developing publicly accessible open space on Zone C that would provide an acceptable income stream to the Home.

The Commission also reviewed preliminary site and building plans for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial to be located by the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. The preliminary site and building plans for a Visitor Contact Station/Bookstore/Restroom Building were approved, but preliminary approval of the memorial design was deferred pending resolution by the National Park Service of design changes to West Basin Drive and the Park Service’s intent to place security barriers at the memorial site. For more information on the Armed Forces Retirement Home, the MLK Memorial, and additional action items, please visit the Current Actions page on our website. Please note that there will be no NCPC meeting in August. The next meeting will take place on Thursday, September 4 at 12:30 p.m.

Program brochures are now available for the September conference Greening the World’s Capital Cities. Symposium sessions will feature a wide array of highly respected authorities who will share their knowledge and discuss strategies for successful green practices. Sessions are open to the public September 15 – 18. There are no fees to attend, but registration is requested to ensure the availability of seating. Email CapitalsAlliance@ncpc.gov or visit the Capitals Alliance website at www.CapitalsAlliance.org.

The Federal Capital Improvements Program 2009-2014 is still available for public review and comment through August 5 at www.ncpc.gov or by contacting stacy.wood@ncpc.gov.

NCPC’s Summer 2008 Quarterly newsletter is available online. Articles include the latest on efforts to identify alternative levee designs that will protect the monumental core from flooding, NCPC’s recent congressional testimony about the treasured space of the National Mall, and our work with local students to learn about the built environment. To obtain a copy, or to be added to our mailing list, email info@ncpc.gov.