26 September 2007

Dear Mr. Albert:

In its meeting of 20 September, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved the proposed concept for Marvin Gaye Park, a two-mile-long linear park along Watts Branch in northeast Washington. The Commission members commented that the distribution of park elements into dispersed nodes, while an intriguing and successful concept, was perhaps taken too far; they suggested that some consolidation of the park's commemorative elements be considered. They expressed support for the design's balanced treatment of linear and transverse usage patterns and suggested that the proposed "art graffiti wall" at the Lady Bird Johnson Meadows be treated as a permanent artwork installation. The Commission members also suggested that emphasis be maintained on planted and natural areas rather than pavement.

Please coordinate with staff for the final submission and, as always, the staff is available should additional questions arise.

Sincerely,

/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary

Neil O. Albert, Deputy Mayor
Government of The District of Columbia
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
The John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 317
Washington, DC 20004

cc: Todd Douglas, Office of the Deputy Mayor
Marsha Lee, EDAW