National Park Service Seeks Comments on Development Plan

From the National Park Service:

WASHINGTON - The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting public comments on the Georgetown Nonmotorized Boathouse Zone Development Plan and Environmental Assessment (plan/EA) through September 30, 2016. The plan/EA evaluates alternatives for the development of nonmotorized boating facilities and related park improvements along the District of Columbia side of the Potomac River in the Georgetown area.

The NPS has developed this Plan/EA because currently, there are insufficient public access points for nonmotorized boating and paddle sports along the Georgetown waterfront, and the popularity of nonmotorized watersports is increasing. In addition, the current configuration of the Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) and its connection to Georgetown does not provide safe and compatible access for pedestrians and cyclists as they move to and through the zone. Development of the nonmotorized boathouse zone is needed to address these deficiencies and provide recreational opportunities that serve all visitors.

The plan/EA analyzes one action alternative and one no-action alternative. Under the no action alternative, no development within the nonmotorized boathouse zone would occur. The action alternative includes proposed changes that respect the historic character, natural resources and existing recreational uses of Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Rock Creek Park while providing improvements to the waterfront.

For the action alternative, the nonmotorized boathouse zone is divided into five site (Sites A - E). East of the Potomac Aqueduct Bridge abutment, upstream of Key Bridge, the action alternative includes optional configurations for a boathouse and plaza on site D, a proposed reconfiguration of the streetscape to improve the connections of the CCT and Georgetown Waterfront Park, and access to the private properties in the zone. The action alternative also offers options for sites A and C west of the aqueduct. Several other alternatives were considered but dismissed from further analysis. This analysis addresses the following impact topics: water resources, including water quality, wetlands, and floodplains; historic structures and districts; land use and adjacent properties; transportation; and visitor use and experience.

How to Comment
Members of the public, agencies and organizations are encouraged to provide comments online through the National Park Service Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website through September 30, 2016. The EA is also available electronically for review and comment here. The preferred method of providing comments is through the PEPC site, however comments also may be sent to the address below:
Tammy Stidham
National Park Service
National Capital Region
Attention : NMBZ EA
1100 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20242

Only written comments, provided online or by mail, will be accepted. Please be aware that your entire comment will become part of the public record. If you wish to remain anonymous, please clearly state that within your correspondence; however, the NPS cannot guarantee that personal information, such as e-mail address, phone number, etc., will be withheld.

Image courtesy of the National Park Service.