The National Park Service conducted an Environmental Assessment on four alternatives to the current shortcuts pedestrians use between Gallatin Street and Galloway Street NE to access Fort Totten metro station. The NPS selected the direct path option as its preferred alternative. We covered the proposed options [(1)No Action; (2) Improve Street Side Access/Fence off Area; (3) Direct Trail; (4) Trail System] in this post last year. The NPS plans to hold a public meeting about the Environmental Assessment (date and location to be determined) during the open comment period, which runs from January 6 to February 19, 2015 .
The project website provides the following summary:
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Park Service has prepared an Environmental Assessment that describes four alternatives for the Fort Totten-North Michigan Park Pedestrian Access Improvements Project, as well as the impacts on natural and historic resources of implementing these alternatives. The National Park Service has identified “Alternative 3: Direct Trail” as the preferred alternative. Under this alternative, the National Park Service would construct a paved multi-use trail through the project area, which is part of the Civil War Defenses of Washington and is managed by Rock Creek Park. The design for the trail, which would connect Gallatin and Galloway Streets, NE, would account for existing topography to allow for sufficient sight lines and proper grade for universal accessibility. In addition, existing unofficial trails would be closed and restored with native vegetation. This alternative also would include the option to incorporate low impact, fully shielded pole lighting into the trail design.
The Environmental Assessment for each option is available on the project website and also at Rock Creek Park Headquarters (3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008) and the Rock Creek Park Nature Center (5200 Glover Road, NW, Washington, D.C. 20015).
Comments may be submitted online by clicking on the “Open for Comment” tab on the project website or by mailing to:
Rock Creek Park
Attn: Fort Totten-North Michigan Park Pedestrian Access Improvements EA
3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Stay tuned for a date for the public meeting.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 