Letter
Dear Mr. Brown:
In its meeting of 16 October, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for the reconstruction and improvement of Oregon Avenue, NW, along Rock Creek Park between Military Road and Western Avenue. The Commission approved the concept and made recommendations for the development of the final design.
The Commission members recommended that every element of the proposed road reconstruction contribute to maintaining the road's less urban character as it borders the national parkland. Therefore, they encouraged facing the retaining walls with natural materials such as stone, using low-maintenance plant materials at the verge rather than grass, and avoiding a highway-like design character for the street lights. For the sidewalk paving, they suggested that a material other than concrete be considered, and they did not support the proposal to stamp leaf and footprint patterns into the paving. They also noted the increasing use of bicycles by many types of riders in the city, and they encouraged the safe and appropriate accommodation of this reality—whether within the right-of-way or on alternative routes that could be coordinated with the National Park Service.
Please coordinate the next submission with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Matthew Brown, Director
D.C. Department of Transportation
55 M Street, SE, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20003
cc: Tara Morrison, Rock Creek Park, National Park Service
Oliver Boehm, Volkert Inc.