Comp Plan Goings-On

At the January 10, 2013 meeting staff will ask the Commission to release the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital’s draft Visitor Element for a 60-day public comment period. The updated element provides policies related to national commemoration and other cultural attractions such as memorials and museums, and considers efforts to enhance visitor access to these attractions.

Members of the public can still provide online comments on the Comprehensive Plan’s new Federal Urban Design Element. You can browse the policies by topic area, indicate whether you support a specific policy, and also provide detailed comments. The deadline to provide feedback is February 4, 2013.

	Comment on the Draft Urban Design Element

Next Commission Meeting
January 10, 2013 | 1:00PM

Live video from Commission meetings is available online at: ncpc.gov/live

Height Study Work Continues

NCPC and the DC Office of Planning (DCOP) are finalizing a work program for the joint Height Master Plan that will explore the impact of strategic changes to the federal Height of Buildings Act of 1910. The study will kick off at the January Commission meeting with an information presentation providing an overview of the process and timeline for the study, including public outreach. The study is scheduled for completion by September 2013.

Reflecting on Ottawa and Brasilia

NCPC recognizes two figures who played important roles in sister capital cities and recently passed away. Marcel Beaudry (pictured at left), former Chairman of Ottawa’s National Capital Commission, served from 1992–2006. The 1999 Plan for Canada’s Capital, which proposed to strengthen the strategic importance of the heart of the Capital; the 1996 Greenbelt Master Plan; and the Champlain Bridge widening were some of his major accomplishments. He worked with NCPC representatives in Capitals Alliance, an initiative to share federal capital city plans and ideas. NCPC Executive Director Marcel Acosta noted that “Mr. Beaudry’s public service and dedication to creating a thriving capital city were unparalleled. He was a true gentleman.”

Capital cities lost another great patron with the passing of architect Oscar Niemeyer. Perhaps Brazil’s greatest architect and one of Modernism’s leading forces, Mr. Niemeyer played a significant role in the design of Brazil’s capital city of Brasilia. There he was architect for numerous important civic buildings, such as the National Congress and Cathedral, which give the city its unique look.

Coming Soon — NCPC’s 2012 Year in Review

NCPC’s 2012 Year in Review will be published early in January. The report provides a snapshot of agency initiatives, Commission project reviews, and other activities, and is a great way to catch up on everything going on. We’ll post the report online, but if you want a hard copy mailed to you please sign-up below.

	Sign Up to Receive NCPCs Year in Review

Take Aways

• The Commission will be asked to accept the SW Ecodistrict Plan at the January 10, 2013 meeting.
• NCPC extends best wishes and thanks to Sarah Moulton, and Management and Program Assistant Long Diep, who recently left the agency.
• The NCPC staff wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!