Letter
Dear Ms. Kershbaum:
In its public meeting of 21 March conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts approved, based on its prior review of the submission materials, the final design for stand-alone poles as part of the update to the guidelines for small cell telecommunications infrastructure in Washington, D.C. In their support of the proposal, the Commission members acknowledged the effort to refine the pole design in response to their previous guidance. However, they reiterated their concern that the proposed stricter standards for the spacing of poles within designated special areas is inconsistent with the principle of equitable treatment of all neighborhoods throughout the city.
The Commission appreciates the District of Columbia Government’s work to accommodate new technologies across the city and, for future projects, encourages the consideration of equitable treatment in the design of the public realm as well as the provision of essential infrastructure. As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Sharon Kershbaum, Acting Director
D.C. Department of Transportation
250 M Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
cc: Marcel Acosta, National Capital Planning Commission
Tammy Stidham, National Park Service
Anita Cozart, D.C. Office of Planning