NCPC backs preferred Glen Echo Park master plan alternative, asks for coordination

NCPC staff recommended that the Commission approve comments on the National Park Service’s draft Glen Echo Park master plan amendment and the Commission adopted that recommendation on March 5.

Stephanie Free, NCPC current planning staff, outlined the site context in Montgomery County, Maryland, and explained that NPS advanced ‘‘Alternative 2,’’ which restores centralized development and proposes a pedestrian connection across Minnehaha Creek. Staff noted the park’s 13 resident arts organizations and approximately 350,000 annual visitors, and recommended that future design work address programmatic needs, site circulation, parking demand and historic/resource impacts.

Maureen Joseph of the George Washington Memorial Parkway said the draft preferred alternative is open for public comment through March 16 and emphasized the plan’s aims to expand program capacity, enhance interpretation, and protect historic character. After commissioner comments in support, Commissioner Dixon moved and the Commission voted to approve staff comments for transmission to the Park Service.

Staff urged NPS to coordinate with local transportation agencies, to consider a sitewide stormwater approach, and to limit demolition to noncontributing features where possible. The Commission’s action was a recommendation on comments for a draft master plan, not a final project approval by NCPC.