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American
Planning Association
American
Society of Landscape Architects
Federal City Council • National Association of Regional Councils
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Scenic America • Society for Environmental Graphic Design
The Greater Washington Board of Trade
March 13, 2002
SUPPORT
EFFECTIVE SECURITY DESIGN
Dear Member of Congress:
The undersigned organizations
urge you to support a homeland security package that funds effective security
measures in our nation's Capital, while maintaining access and a user-friendly
atmosphere in our public spaces and government institutions.
Our organizations,
representing planners, landscape architects, design professionals, preservationists,
conservationists, business entities, and local government associations,
advocate public policy and legislation that does the following:
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Provides $98.5
million for security improvements in the National Capital Region,
as outlined in the National Capital Planning Commission's report Designing
for Security in the Nation's Capital (October 2001). This earmark
would finance security treatments for the Washington Monument; planning
studies for a tunnel under Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White
House; landscape and streetscape improvements in the vicinity of the
White House; security measures for the Department of Justice's perimeter;
and a circulator transit system to ease congestion in the heart of
the city.
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Ensures that
security measures implemented at public buildings and spaces, such
as parks and monuments, protect employees and the public at large.
These same security measures must protect the integrity of historic
sites, freedom of movement, and public access to government institutions-hallmarks
of our nation's Capital and our democratic values.
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Incorporates
an inclusive decision-making process that solicits input from stakeholders
and professionals in the security and design fields prior to the implementation
of permanent security plans.
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Ensures deliberate
but steady progress in replacing jersey barriers and other hastily
erected security elements, in favor of those that effectively provide
protection for people and places AND enhance the built and natural
environments.
The nation's Capital
is a symbol to the world of American democracy and freedom. It should
serve as a model for good, unobtrusive security measures that enhance
our public spaces and institutions rather than repel people and instill
fear in residents, workers, and visitors.
As Congress considers
a homeland security package, we urge you to support a $98.5 million appropriation
to implement the highest standards of security planning and design for
the DC region. Thank you for considering our views.
Sincerely,
American Planning
Association
American Society of Landscape Architects
Federal City Council
National Association of Regional Councils
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Scenic America
Society for Environmental Graphic Design
The Greater Washington Board of Trade
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