Letter
Dear Mr. Lewis:
In its meeting of 23 January, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a final design submission for a large-scale installation of solar panels at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Southwest Washington, D.C. The Commission did not take an action, providing comments for the development of the design in a revised submission.
The Commission members expressed support for the general goals of the project, noting that it may serve as a prototype for other military locations. While acknowledging the challenges of installing a substantial infrastructure project within a naval facility on the waterfront, they recommended a more thoughtful approach to the design of the required perimeter fence and eight-foot-wide planted buffer. They suggested that even with these constraints, the landscapes for Sites 1 and 4 could establish riparian wildlife habitats and enrich the public realm along the river bank rather than merely serving as barriers. Moreover, they observed that the proposed plant species were inappropriate for this site and would not survive in these exposed locations with poor-quality soil. They advised engaging the professional services of a landscape architect to assess soil, wind, and solar conditions and specify suitable plants for this project.
For the next review, the Commission requested the presentation of a revised planting plan, as well as a more comprehensive design for the perimeter fence. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Thomas P. Lewis
Naval Facilities Engineering Command
Washington Navy Yard
1314 Harwood Street, SE
Washington, DC 20374-5018
cc: James Cannon, Naval Facilities Engineering Command
Peter May, National Park Service