Impacts of Alternative 1: Home and Office of the President

Changes would also occur to the Lily Triangle area, where the E Street underpass would emerge. Nearby resources could be impacted by the large numbers of people using the underpass and creating informal pathways and shortcuts to the underpass entrances.

Conclusion

Potential impacts to vegetation and soils would be similar to the proposed plan, although slightly greater in magnitude because of the underground visitor center on the Ellipse and an eastside parking/delivery structure. During construction, about 49 trees would be removed: 17 on West Executive Avenue and 32 on the Ellipse. Most of these would be replaced after construction; however, permanently removing 13 American elms on the Ellipse would result in a 6% reduction of this species on the Ellipse. Approximately 58 trees would be at risk during construction: 25 trees on the White House grounds (including 2 commemorative trees, representing 5% of these historic plantings) and up to 33 trees on the Ellipse, depending on the location of the visitor center and the method of pedestrian corridor construction. Construction methods would be carefully chosen, and vegetation and soil mitigation measures would be applied during construction to preserve trees where feasible and cost-effective.

Home and Office of the President

Impacts on Executive Residence Operations

Analysis

As described for the proposed plan, noise from construction and the visibility of construction activities could intrude on peace and quiet for the first family. Measures to minimize disruptions would be identified before any construction was initiated.

Indoor Recreation Space. Similar to the proposed plan, approximately 3,000 square feet of indoor, multipurpose recreation space would provide for a number of activities for the first family close to the Executive Residence. This type of space would help provide flexibility for future first family needs and offer a greater sense of normal living conditions for both children and adults. (Outdoor recreation space on the south grounds would continue to be available.).

Privacy. Proposed pedestrian/service corridors belowground along the north side of the White House would eliminate staff and business visitor movements through the ground level of the Executive Residence, providing additional privacy for the first family. However, recreation space for the family would not be accessible from the private quarters; family members would still need to use corridors used by staff and visitors.

Storage. Providing a 10,000-square-foot storage area under West Executive Avenue in conjunction with recreation space, meeting/ conference space, and a news media facility, would allow frequently used furnishings, equipment, and supplies to be stored onsite. As described for the proposed plan, this would preclude the need to constantly move these items back and forth between offsite storage facilities and the White House complex. Removing materials, equipment, and furniture now stored in corridors and work areas would reduce safety hazards and improve work space usage. Spaces within the Executive Residence now used for storage could be considered for other uses. Compared to the proposed plan, the storage location under West Executive Avenue would not be as accessible to residence staff and could interfere with other residence functions' such as deliveries' because a common corridor would be used.

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Public Access. Similar to the proposed plan, public access to the White House would have to be balanced with other uses and functions on the site' including the first family's need for privacy and the use of the White House for presidential functions and business. As at present, public tours could be interrupted or canceled because of state functions and presidential business.

Conclusion

As described for the proposed plan, providing new space for indoor recreation and a separate, belowground staff circulation corridor would have positive benefits by providing flexibility and informal space for future first families, especially those with children, and by providing additional privacy. The first family's need for privacy would continue to be balanced with the public's need for access to the White House.

New storage space would increase the efficiency of Executive Residence operations and allow existing space being used for temporary storage to be returned to more appropriate uses. The use of the West Executive Avenue storage facility could interfere with other residence functions, such as deliveries, because a common corridor would be used.

Impacts on Executive Office Support Services

Analysis

Visitor Arrivals. Diplomatic and business visitors entering the White House complex would continue to be received at present locations. As described for the proposed plan, new facilities below West Executive Avenue would provide an additional entrance point, particularly for attendees at meetings and conferences. Some access, although less formal, would be available from the eastside parking facility as well.

Meeting/Conference Space. As described for the proposed plan, providing meeting/conference space belowground next to the West Wing would make it more efficient for presidential staff to prepare for and host conferences. Utilities would be provided for the most effective communication needs, such as video- and teleconferencing.

Parking. As described for the proposed plan and summarized below, providing 1,140 replacement parking spaces for staff, as well as diplomatic and business visitors, would minimize inconvenience for employees and would be easily accessible and secure.

* A 290-space parking facility for motorcades, diplomats, and senior staff under Pennsylvania Avenue would be immediately accessible to the White House, would protect visitors, staff, and drivers from inclement weather, and would facilitate the staging of motorcades.

* An 850-space parking facility beneath the Ellipse would provide direct, secure access to the complex 24 hours a day (an 8- to 10-minute walk), protection from inclement weather, and the elimination of theft and damage that has occurred to cars parked on Ellipse roadways. Staff would cross E Street either at 17th Street or use the pedestrian underpass from the visitor center (the underpass would mix staff and public use, which could be inconvenient for some staff members). So that proposed actions on the Ellipse could be implemented in the early phases of the plan, surface parking on the Ellipse would be removed during the first phase of implementation.

Under this alternative providing an additional 170 parking spaces under the south plaza of the Treasury Building (with access by way of

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15th Street) would allow flexibility in meeting the various business and special event needs at the White House, ranging from small meetings to large state events. parking would be in addition to the replacement of existing spaces and would increase onsite spaces available to Executive Office staff.

Pending the completion of parking facilities under Pennsylvania Avenue, south of the Treasury Building, and under the Ellipse, offsite staff perking spaces within a 10 minute walk of the White House complex would be leased. All access to the White House would be retained for flexibility.

As described for the proposed plan, providing parking for White House staff (in leased parking spaces over the short term and in new federal facilities over the long term) would likely increase parking costs for employees beginning the fourth year after the plan is approved. In accordance with current federal policies, parking costs are paid by employees. Monthly leased parking rates for the downtown D.C. area in 1996 averaged $146.

Deliveries. Providing for deliveries through the New Executive Office Building on the west side of the White House complex and in the new underground facility south of the Treasury Building on the east would minimize congestion created by current delivery operations on the surface. Deliveries within the site would be made through separate underground service corridors, reducing conflicts with other activities onsite, particularly on the surface. The addition of the eastside facility would minimize the distance that materials would have to be moved across the site because deliveries could be scheduled at the facility nearest the final destination. Given the number of weekly deliveries (between 500 and 600, with substantially more deliveries during peak periods), two facilities would make deliveries more efficient and would provide an alternative facility in the event that one site was closed for maintenance or was being used for special events. Some surface deliveries, especially for large items, would continue to be made throughout the White House complex.

The eastside facility would be outside the White House complex and would require additional security staff and expenditures. Also, an eastside facility would minimize conflicts that occur now between delivery trucks and moving and parked vehicles, pedestrians, and equipment, particularly along East Executive Park and in the Treasury moat. Some conflict with staff cars could occur within the garage because cars and delivery trucks would use the same portal for access.

Staff Functions. As described for the proposed plan, providing underground pedestrian and service corridors would reduce conflicts with other activities and remove the need for staff to use the ground floor of the White House as a corridor.

Providing better information and orientation for visitors as they enter President's Park would reduce the time spent by personnel at the gatehouses answering questions.

Conclusion

Similar to the proposed plan, new facilities for meetings, parking, deliveries, and staff circulation would provide positive benefits to the Executive Office of the President by meeting current daily and future needs, while protecting and preserving significant cultural resources. The location of some facilities would change under this alternative; additional parking would be provided (a total of 1,310 spaces, 170 more than under the proposed plan).

Under this alternative an eastside parking/ delivery facility would help improve the efficiency of White House functions by providing flexibility for staging motorcades and for

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making deliveries on the east side of the White House complex. Providing an additional 170 parking spaces for diplomatic and business visitors, staff, and guests at special White House events would be desirable over the long term, but is not now needed.

Impacts on the News Media

Analysis

Constructing a 1 0,900-square-foot facility for the news media under West Executive Avenue would provide a presidential briefing room, additional work space for press members, and the utility infrastructure to support broadcast equipment. Existing media facilities in the west colonnade would be converted to other uses. Because journalists would be in new facilities under West Executive Avenue, they would have a longer access route to the press secretary.

As described for the proposed plan, presidential briefings would be held in a setting that would accommodate both domestic and international press correspondents without the present problems of overcrowding and safety concerns. Storage areas for camera equipment would reduce safety hazards and congestion caused by equipment being stacked in any available space, and it would eliminate the need for equipment to be carried on- and offsite and having to be rechecked each time by security personnel. Work space would be functional and would be intended to house only a portion of the White House press corps.

Conclusion

As described for the proposed plan, the news media would have additional work space and state-of-the-art infrastructure for broadcasts. However, relocating news media functions from the west colonnade to new belowground facilities beneath West Executive Avenue would lengthen the access route for journalists to the press secretary in the West Wing.

Visitor Experience

As described for the proposed plan, the overall experience for diplomatic and business visitors, as well as tourists, would be improved as a result of implementing Design Guidelines and ensuring that all parts of the President's Park are perceived of as a unit.

Impacts on Diplomatic and Business Visitors

Diplomatic and business visitors to the White House would find no change in their experience, other than an improvement to the ambience as a result of the consistent use of design elements throughout the site and a lack vehicles being parked on the surface. Visitors could continue to enter the West Wing on the surface, while their vehicles would be parked underground. An underground entrance on West Executive Avenue could be used as an optional entry/exit point, primarily by business visitors and persons attending meetings.

Impacts on Public Visitors

Analysis

Initial Impressions. As described for the proposed plan, formal entryways to the White House and President's Park would signify for visitors that they were within a special, historic place. This feeling would be enhanced by the absence of parked vehicles and public vendors along sidewalks and immediately adjacent streets. A future citywide tour bus management plan developed in cooperation with the National Capital Planning Commission and the District of Columbia would provide offsite tour bus parking, thus eliminating

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noise and air pollution, and opening up sight lines to the White House.

For visitors seeing or entering President's Park from the south, heavy vehicular traffic on a four-lane E Street would divide the site, effectively separating the Ellipse from the rest of President's Park and making it impossible for visitors to appreciate the original design intent for President's Park as a whole.

Information/Orientation. As described for the proposed plan, pedestrian entryways would signify to visitors where they were. The entries would be equipped with facilities to orient and inform the public, and they would be placed at points where high numbers of visitors enter the park, making it easier for visitors to plan what to see. Well-designed signs, brochures, and other orientation materials would be readily available to visitors. Full information and orientation services, including information in other languages, would be focused at the visitor center.

Visitor Center. A new 66,000-square-foot visitor center would be built underground in the northeast portion of the Ellipse. In addition to comprehensive information and orientation services for visitors, this facility would offer educational opportunities, ticketing and staging for White House tours, personal visitor services, and White House Historical Association sales. An indoor location for most activities would protect visitors from inclement weather.

Interpretation and Education. As described for the proposed plan, interpretive and educational opportunities in President's Park would be enhanced by means of outdoor exhibits, specialized programs focusing on the various resources at the site, and additional onsite and offsite interpretive programs. Under this alternative additional living history programs centered on the history of the presidency, the White House, and President's Park would add another dimension to the visitor experience.

Museum displays would allow visitors to learn more about the history of the White House and President's Park and to see exhibits of items from the White House collection. Visitor understanding of the history of the site could be improved by displaying and interpreting archeological artifacts recovered from the site.

White House Tours. As described for the proposed plan, visitors would pick up free tour tickets indoors at the visitor center. Options to provide advance tour arrangements in the future would potentially give visitors greater flexibility in arranging for public tours of the White House.

After watching an orientation film in one of four theaters, tour participants would move through a well-lit, attractive, and secure belowground passageway from the visitor center directly to the White House visitor entrance building. In contrast to the proposed plan, visitors would be protected from inclement weather throughout most of the tour process. While some visitors would prefer this arrangement, others could feel that a surface approach, with glimpses of the White House and gardens, would be more dramatic. Like the other alternatives, mobility-impaired visitors would continue to use the northeast gate and enter the White House through the north portico.

Public Amenities. As described for the proposed plan, no commercial vending would be allowed on the sidewalks or curb lanes immediately adjacent to President's Park. Local restaurants in adjoining areas would be encouraged to provide food service. Site amenities would be provided throughout the park, but under this alternative they would be limited to water fountains, benches, and trash receptacles.

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Conclusion

The experience for public visitors to the White House and President's Park would be improved, as described for the proposed plan. Information about activities and White House tours would be more readily available, tour procedures would be more efficient, and additional educational opportunities about the history of the presidency and the White House would be provided. However, a four-lane E Street would divide the Ellipse area from the rest of President's Park, making it difficult visitors to appreciate the original design intent for the site as a whole.

Impacts on Pedestrians

Analysis

As described for the other alternatives, restrictions on public vehicular traffic on Jackson and Madison Places would enhance pedestrian access. (Only delivery and official use vehicles would be allowed in these areas.) West Executive Avenue would remain restricted to public access. As described for the proposed plan, a portal to the northside parking garage at the north end of West Executive Avenue would be used by about 160 vehicles per day (55% of the parking garage's capacity); this use is not expected to impede the pedestrian experience on West Executive Avenue, which would otherwise be improved.

Under this alternative, however, making E Street into a four-lane roadway would not improve the pedestrian environment and could exacerbate pedestrian/traffic conflicts. An underpass would allow pedestrians to move from the northeast part of the Ellipse to lower East Executive Avenue without traffic conflicts. The primary purpose of this underpass would be for access to the visitor center; however, it could also be used extensively during the day by tour bus groups, commuters, visitors to President's Park, and staff perking at the Ellipse parking facility. Although convenient for pedestrians, the underpass could present safety issues during evening and night hours if not properly secured, or it could be used by homeless individuals for shelter. Pedestrians would continue to cross E Street south of the White House fence (at the Zero Milestone) because of the outstanding views of the White House, constituting a safety hazard.

On the south side of E Street, the Ellipse area would become a pedestrian area, as described for the proposed plan, without vehicle traffic or parking. The only vehicles in this area would be those entering or leaving the garage portals, which would be near 16th Street and Constitution Avenue.

Conclusion

The pedestrian experience would be improved with the removal of parked vehicles within President's Park, but four lanes of traffic on E Street would not improve the pedestrian environment and could exacerbate pedestrian/ traffic conflicts. While pedestrians could use an E Street underpass, many would continue to cross E Street on the surface near the Zero Milestone to view the White House and take pictures. Visitors taking the White House tour would use the underground corridor directly from the visitor center to the visitor entrance building, thereby avoiding conflicts with E Street traffic.

Impacts on Local Residents

Active recreational uses such as baseball and football would be discouraged; program changes would include the introduction of interpretive activities, concerts, and other events in keeping with the dignity of the site. This policy would be viewed by some as

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Impacts of Alternative 1: Special Events

diminishing the energy of the site and restricting open access.

Noise Impacts

Analysis

Noise levels along E Street between 15th and 17th Streets would be slightly higher than existing levels because of four lanes of traffic. Typically, a doubling of the amount of traffic results in a 3 dB(A) increase in noise levels, which is a barely perceptible change. Widening E Street between 17th and 18th Streets would increase noise levels for pedestrians because of higher traffic volumes and proximity to traffic.

Noise during construction would be noticeable to visitors, as well as workers in nearby buildings. Under alternative 1 pedestrians and tenants in nearby buildings (the Old Executive Office Building, the New Executive Office Building, buildings along Pennsylvania Avenue west of Lafayette Park, the Treasury Building, and buildings along E Street west of 17th) would be subject to construction noise. As described for the proposed plan, prior to each stage of construction, potentially impacted parties would be notified, and measures to mitigate noise impacts would be included in contractor specifications.

The operation of mechanical systems for underground facilities could also result in minimal noise impacts, as described for the proposed plan. Even though mechanical systems would comply with local ordinances, building codes, and GSA specifications, the noise and drafts aboveground could be of concern given the special nature of this site. Examples of design considerations to attenuate ventilation noise include limiting the face velocity at intake and exhaust locations or limiting the size and speed of exhaust fans in sensitive areas.

Conclusion

Noise levels along E Street between 15th and 17th Streets would be slightly higher than existing levels because of the addition of two traffic lanes. Construction noise, although temporary and subject to local regulations, would be intensive throughout President's Park because of greater levels of development onsite. New noise sources, resulting from the operation of mechanical equipment for underground facilities, would have a minor effect on noise levels or would be mitigated through design, as described for the proposed plan.

Special Events

Impacts on special events would be the similar to those described for the proposed plan except no events plaza would be developed, E Street would become a four-lane roadway, and the visitor center would be under the northeast quadrant of the Ellipse. There would be no changes to the location and type of First Amendment demonstrations. No impacts on presidential inaugural parades are anticipated because construction activities under Pennsylvania Avenue would be scheduled so as to be finished before any future inaugural.

Impacts on Public Events

Analysis

Programs and special events on the site would be conducted in a manner that reflects the dignity of President's Park, heightening for visitors the sense of being in a special place. Special events would be reduced in scale and duration in order to provide a quality visitor experience at all times within President's Park.

Criteria for special events would affect the type of activities offered and limit the degree of development, size, and duration. As

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described for the proposed plan, these criteria could be perceived as either positive or negative by sponsors and participants. Monitoring activities could also affect the sizes and types of events.

The location of the visitor center under the northeast panel of the Ellipse would be virtually the same location as the setting for many events. On the one hand' events staged in this area could conflict with visitor center functions and users. For example, events could conflict with White House public tour operations, and in the case of large events, event attendees could overwhelm restrooms and facilities within the visitor center. (The only restrooms would be in the visitor center, as the Ellipse pavilion, which currently provides restroom facilities' would be removed.) On the other hand, the visitor center would be readily accessible to large numbers of event participants and could provide information about the White House and President's Park. To avoid use conflicts and protect resources, events would be staged at various locations around the Ellipse when possible.

As described for the proposed plan, removing parking along Ellipse roadways, as well as 15h and 17th Streets, would improve the setting for events and make access easier for event attendees. Also, the roadways could be used to stage events, thus reducing impacts on turf. However, under this alternative four lanes of traffic on E Street would create a much noisier and less attractive backdrop for events. While special event attendees could use the E Street pedestrian underpass, this corridor could easily be overwhelmed during large events, forcing people to cross E Street on the surface.

Event attendees would have to park offsite or use public transit. Portal entrances to the underground staff parking facility under the Ellipse (which would not be open to the public) and cars entering and exiting the staff garage would potentially interfere with pedestrian circulation at events in the southernmost portion of the park.

The use of the side panels, where possible, would require that existing event layouts be reconfigured and utilities provided in new locations. This could result in additional costs to the National Park Service and event sponsors. Operational needs related to special events should be less if events were smaller and lasted shorter times.

The Pageant of Peace would be managed in a manner similar to that described for the proposed plan, with a diminished commercial aspect. This event could be moved to various locations on the Ellipse from year to year to better protect turf areas.

Conclusion

Criteria for special events would encourage quality events that were worthy of attendance by the first family and would limit the size and duration of events. These criteria could be perceived as either positive or negative by sponsors and participants. Moving events to various locations around the Ellipse could require new infrastructure and utilities. Removing vehicle parking from the Ellipse roadways would improve the setting for special events, make access easier, and allow roadways to be used during events. However, a four-lane E Street would create an unattractive and noisy background.

The visitor center location could enhance events by providing needed amenities such as restrooms. Conversely, event attendees could interfere with White House tours being staged at the visitor center, as well as overwhelm visitor center facilities when events and tours occurred at the same time.

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Impacts on White House Events

As described for the proposed plan, events within the White House and on the grounds could be staged more efficiently with the onsite storage of materials and upgraded infrastructure. Impacts on turf and garden areas would also be minimized. The proposed eastside parking facility could provide parking for guests, particularly for official events during the evening.

The visitor center beneath the Ellipse would make the staging of garden and Christmas candlelight tours easier because participants could be oriented at the center and would be protected from poor weather while waiting.

Transportation

Impacts on Access and Circulation

Analysis

Access to the White House Complex. Current points of access to the White House complex would remain. However, along E Street no restricted access lane would be provided for official traffic.. Vehicles entering the complex would have to use general traffic lanes. Eastbound traffic turning left onto the western portion of South Executive Avenue would cross two lanes of westbound traffic, resulting in more traffic conflicts than now. Westbound vehicles that had to wait to turn right onto South Executive Avenue could cause through-traffic to back up on E Street.

As described for the proposed plan, access to the northside parking facility would be from H Street on the north and from West Executive Avenue (by way of E Street) on the south.

* To ensure that an LOS E on H Street would not be exceeded during the morning, fewer than 100 vehicles during the peak hour should use the NEOB entrance.

* Because the 17th Street / State Place / New York Avenue intersection operates at LOS E and F during morning and afternoon rush hours, traffic would enter the garage by way of West Executive Avenue from E Street and would exit to the west on State Place (which would operate as a one-way street westbound).

Also as described for the proposed plan, access to the Ellipse parking facility would be by way of Constitution Avenue at 16th Street, with an estimated 550 cars entering and exiting the garage during the morning and afternoon peak hours. Because Constitution Avenue currently operates at good levels of service throughout the day in both directions between 12th and 23rd Streets, and because additional capacity would be provided on E Street, Constitution Avenue could probably handle the additional parking traffic. Based on an intersection capacity analysis, the Constitution Avenue / 16th Street intersection would operate at LOS F during the morning peak hour with the addition of parking structure traffic. Any intersection changes to, improve the operational characteristics of the access would adversely impact the overall operating characteristics on Constitution Avenue.

Access to the 170-space parking structure south of the Treasury Building would be by way of 15th Street to Hamilton Place. Currently, Hamilton Place is one way eastbound, with a right turn only allowed at the intersection of Hamilton Place / 15th Street / Pennsylvania Avenue North. Consequently, this intersection has only three approaches and operates at LOS D or better. To ensure that the intersection would continue to operate at LOS D or better, left turns out of the garage would be prohibited.

During construction of the underground parking facility, access to the White House from the southeast by way of East Executive Park would be disrupted.

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As described for the proposed plan, deliveries to the White House complex would be handled through existing facilities at the New Executive Office Building and the Treasury Annex. The amount of new traffic during the midday period would not affect the operating characteristics of either H Street or 15th Street. Access for deliveries to the eastside parking facility would be from 15th Street, and the left-sum movement when exiting the garage would be restricted.

E Street. Under this alternative E Street would become a two-way, four-lane public street between 15th and 18th Streets. Adding two westbound lanes would reduce traffic on some adjacent east-west downtown streets. Approximately 13,000 vehicles per day would use the F. Street westbound lanes, likely diverting traffic from streets such as I Street, which currently operates at LOSF throughout the day. The addition of westbound travel lanes on E Street would not provide enough additional traffic flow to improve the level of service on I Street. Westbound traffic on K and M Streets would also benefit, but the change would not be as noticeable because these streets operate under capacity.

Making E Street a four-lane roadway would only provide temporary relief to a congested citywide transportation system. E Street between 15th and 17th is only a small segment of the downtown city transportation network and does not have the capability to provide enough capacity for a long-term traffic solution.

The following impacts would be associated with the need to both widen and modify the directional traffic flows on E Street west of West Executive Avenue (also see appendix I for plan profile sections):

* The basic geometry along the two blocks consists of four 11' lanes within a curb-to-curb width of 44'. The south curb line of the 1600 block within President's Park would be slightly realigned. Along the south side of the 1700 block outside President's Park approximately 12' of sidewalk and 16 metered parking spaces would need to he removed to accommodate two additional traffic lanes. West of 18th Street the existing curb-to-curb width on E Street is adequate for channeling the one-way eastbound traffic to meet the proposed geometry at the 18th Street / E Street intersection.

* The north curbline in the 1700 block would be retained to minimize pavement reconstruction and the removal of trees in front of the United Unions building and the Corcoran Art Gallery. It would also match the projection of the north curbline in the 1600 block.

* Removing the sidewalk and parking meters on the south side of the 1700 block would accommodate the two eastbound lanes, which would be shifted 12' to the south. This would allow a smooth through-traffic flow from the 1800 block and without opposing the two westbound lanes.

* The two westbound lanes, after a double right turn onto 18th Street, would be routed one block north to westbound New York Avenue. To accommodate this additional traffic on 18th Street, a double left turn lane and signal timing changes would likely be required.

* To maintain an LOS D or better at two way 17th Street, left-turn movements from E Street should be restricted during peak hours.

* Two driveways on the south side of the 1700 block would have to be reconstructed along the new curb and sidewalk to maintain access to the parking lots adjacent to the Red Cross building.

Instead of widening E Street between 17th and 18th Streets to accommodate four lanes of traffic, one option would be to route the two

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Impacts of Alternative 1: Transportation

westbound traffic lanes onto 17th Street, which would require restriping 17th to accommodate a wider northbound to westbound turn movement at New York Avenue. All improvements to 17th Street would be within the street's existing curb-to-curb width. However, this option would add more traffic to 17th Street, which is currently operating either at or over capacity during most of the day. These conditions are not be expected to improve under this option.

Official events and motorcades would continue to require temporary closures of E Street. During such closures, drivers would seek alternate east- and westbound routes, potentially creating traffic congestion.

Conclusion

As described for the proposed plan, access to the northside parking facility would be by way of H Street from the north and E Street to West Executive Avenue from the south. Access to the Ellipse parking facility would be by way of Constitution Avenue to 16th Street. The 16th Street / Constitution Avenue intersection would operate over capacity (LOS F) in the morning peak hours as a result of vehicles turning into the Ellipse parking facility. This would result in some traffic congestion on Constitution Avenue, which is now operating at acceptable levels of service. Access to the eastside parking facility would be by way of 15th Street and Hamilton Place; to ensure that this intersection continued to operate at LOS D, only right turns out of the garage would be allowed for exiting traffic..

Providing two westbound traffic lanes on E Street, which would be used by about 13,000 vehicles daily, would not provide enough additional traffic flow to improve service on I Street (which operates over capacity throughout the day) or other westbound streets.

Widening E Street between 17th and 18th Streets to accommodate four lanes of traffic would eliminate on-street parking and require several driveways to be relocated. Instead of widening E Street, westbound traffic could be diverted to 17th Street (which would require restriping 17th for a wider northbound to westbound left-turn lane at New York Avenue). This option would add more traffic to 17th Street, which is at or over capacity during most of the day. Temporary closures of E Street for official events and motorcades would still create congestion on adjacent streets.

Impacts on Public Parking

Impacts to on-street public parking would be similar to those described for the proposed plan, which would eliminate 103 metered and time-limited parking spaces. In addition, 16 spaces along the south side of E Street between 17th and 18th Streets would be eliminated as a result of widening E Street to four lanes. As described for the proposed plan, 506 parking spaces within President's Park currently available to the public during evenings or weekends would be eliminated. This loss of parking would further constrain the limited public parking supply in this area. The economic impacts associated with removing these parking spaces are presented in the discussion of socioeconomic impacts.

Some intermittent public parking could potentially be provided on weekends and evenings in the Ellipse parking facility if a study undertaken during design development determined that such parking would be compatible with staff use and site parking strategies.

Impacts on Public Transit

As described for the proposed plan, none of the actions under this alternative, including

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making E Street four lanes, would adversely affect Metrobus or Metrorail operations.

Impacts on Tour Buses

A future citywide tour bus management plan to be developed by the District and the National Capital Planning Commission would address tour bus parking. Similar to the proposed plan, short-term tour bus parking would be eliminated in President's Park. Impacts associated with dropoff and pickup points for White House tour participants would be assessed when these points were designated.

A four-lane, two-way E Street would allow tour buses to continue offering drive-by views of the White House and grounds.

Impacts on the Tourmobile

This alternative would require altering the Tourmobile route. Closing Ellipse Drive to traffic would eliminate this access route for the Tourmobile from Constitution Avenue. When the Ellipse is occasionally closed at present, the Tourmobile turns north from Constitution Avenue to 17th Street, east on E Street, and south on l5th Street, back to Constitution Avenue. This alternate route could also be used under this alternative. After determining a new route, pedestrian access from the Tourmobile stop to the visitor center (southwest of E Street and 15th Street) would need to be determined. Service would be affected because the future route would be in general traffic and there would be no dedicated loading area as there is now.

Impacts on Bicyclists

This alternative would be similar to present conditions, with bicyclists traveling in the general traffic lanes along E Street. Closing the Ellipse roadways to traffic would improve bicycling on this roadway.

Socioeconomic Environment

Impacts on D.C. Revenues

Analysis

Parking Meter Revenue. Alternative 1 would result in the loss of 53 parking meter spaces along the east side of 17th Street and on E Street between 17th and 18th Streets (16 more spaces than under the proposed plan). Assuming full use of these parking meters (except for the 10 federal holidays per year), these spaces produce a total of $89,828 annually. Each month an average of three $27 parking tickets per meter are distributed, for a total of $115,668. Thus, parking meter revenue losses would total $205,496 per year (see table 23). Over 20 years the total revenue loss would amount to an estimated $4.1 million, which is $700,000 more than under the proposed plan.

Leased Parking Revenue. The impact on leased parking revenue would be the same as for the proposed plan. During the short term (years 4-20 of the plan), a total of 850 parking spaces for White House staff would be leased in private parking garages within a 10-minute walk of the White House. It is assumed that the Ellipse parking facility would not be in operation until the final year of the plan. Consequently, the estimated loss in D.C. parking tax revenue would be $247,836 in the fourth year of the plan and $5.9 million over the 20 year life of the plan.

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Impacts of Alternative 1: Socioeconomic Environment

Table 23:
Projected Annual D.C. Revenue Losses from Parking Meters
Alternative 1
Location Spaces Rate/Space Hours Days/Week Annual Revenue 20-Year Total
Revenues from Metered Spaces
E St. (17th to 18th) 16 $0.75/hr 9:30 A.M. - 4 P.M. 5 $19,500 $390,000
17th St. (east side) 9 $0.75/hr 9:30 A.M. - 4 P.M. 6* $13,250 $265,000
17th St. (east side) 28 $0.75/hr 9:30 A.M. - 6:30 P.M. 6* 57,078 1,141,560
Subtotal 37 . $89,828 $1,796,560
Revenues from Parking Tickets
53 metered spaces $972** 51,516 1,030,320
66 time-limited spaces $972** 64,152 1,283,040
Subtotal . $115,668 $2,313,360
Total Parking Revenue Losses $205,496 $4,109,920
SOURCE: D.C. Department of Public Works, Parking Services Division; BRW, Inc.
* Assumes 52 weeks per year and 10 holidays.
** Assumes 36 tickets per space per year at $27 per ticket.

Vendor Revenue. Removing 26 vendors would result in a revenue loss to the District of Columbia of $42,068 per year, or $841,360 over the 20-year life of the plan (the same as for the proposed plan; see table 20). This loss could be reduced if vendors were relocated to other spaces in the downtown area.

Conclusion

Alternative 1 would result in total annual D.C. revenue losses (by year four of the plan) of $495,400 from parking meters, parking violations, leased parking taxes, and vendor licenses and sales taxes (compared to an annual loss of $460,348 under the proposed plan). Over the 20-year life of this plan, the total loss is estimated at $10.8 million (compared to $ 10.1 million under the proposed plan). The revenue losses would be greater than under the proposed plan because of the loss of additional metered parking along E Street. If vendors were relocated to another downtown area, these losses would not be as great.

Impacts on Vendors

As described for the proposed plan, removing 26 vendor spaces adjacent to President's Park could result in an estimated annual loss of $14.2 million in business volume and $1.4 million in profits for the affected vendors, or $28.5 million over the 20-year life of this plan. If these spaces were relocated to another downtown area? this impact would be reduced.

Impacts on Local Businesses

Analysis

Impacts to local businesses would be the same as for the proposed plan (the loss of 50 on street parking spaces on 17th Street). In addition, widening E Street would result in the loss of 16 metered spaces on the south side of E Street between 17th and 18th Streets. These eliminated spaces are not in front of any businesses; however, there are three nearby institutions-the American Red Cross on the south side of E Street, and the United Unions building and the Corcoran Gallery of Art on the north side. These institutions have some

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

off-street parking; therefore, the loss of on street parking spaces would represent only a small portion of their parking needs. Patrons and staff could also use commercial parking facilities in the area. Deliveries to the Corcoran could be affected by westbound traffic on E Street between 17th and 18th.

The effect of 850 fewer leased parking spaces on area businesses is difficult to measure. As discussed for the proposed plan, a 1996 informal field survey by GSA personnel indicated 26 public parking garages with a total of 4,500 spaces. The federal lease of 850 spaces pending the completion of the Ellipse parking facility would represent 19% of the public parking spaces within a 10-minute walk of the study area. This reduction could have some impact on the overall attractiveness of these buildings for the private rental market.

Conclusion

The loss of 66 metered and time-limited parking spaces on the east side of 17th Street adjacent President's Park and along E Street would result in minor inconveniences to adjacent business and institutions. Reallocating 850 leased parking spaces to the federal government for the life of this plan (a 19% reduction in available spaces) could have an effect on area businesses and office buildings.

Construction and Operation Impacts

Analysis

Construction Impacts. The construction budget for alternative 1 is estimated to be approximately $318 million. Construction is expected to take place in four five-year phases over a 20-year period, with the construction impacts assumed to occur in equal increments by year within each phase (the phases would correspond with the proposed plan phases? see appendix E).

The projected direct and indirect jobs and earnings associated with this alternative are shown in table 24. Based on standard regional input/output modeling system (RIMS) multipliers, overall construction-related employment per phase would range from 297 to 71 1 jobs in the metropolitan area and from 58 to 140 jobs in the D.C. area. Overall earnings are estimated to range from $6.9 million to $16.6 million for the metro area and from $1.6 million to $3.7 million for the D.C. area. (The greatest impact would be during the second five-year phase of plan implementation, when the eastside parking facility and a new Ellipse visitor center would be built.) As described for the proposed plan, direct employment and earnings within the District could be increased by requiring that a certain percentage of jobs be filled by D.C. residents.

Long-Term Impacts. No significant gains in long-term employment are anticipated under alternative 1. The visitor center could increase employment by one or two jobs due to the proposed expansion.

Conclusion

Estimated construction costs over the life of the plan would total approximately $318 million. As described for the proposed plan, other than the creation of short-term, construction-related jobs throughout the life of the plan, there would be no significant gains in long-term employment.

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Impacts of Alternative 1: Site Management and Operations

Table 24:
Construction Impacts
Alterative 1
. PHASE 1
(YEARS 1-5)		 PHASE 2
(YEARS 6-10)		 PHASE 3
(YEARS 11-15)		 PHASE 4
(YEARS 16-20)
Jobs Earnings* Jobs Earnings* Jobs Earnings* Jobs Earnings*
Metro Area
Direct Jobs 179 $4.6 322 $8.2 134 $3.4 228 $5.8
Indirect Jobs 217 4.7 389 8.4 163 3.5 276 6.0
Total Jobs 396 $9.3 711 $16.6 297 $6.9 504 $11.8
District
Direct Jobs 63 $9.3 113 $2.8 47 $1.2 80 $2.6
Indirect Jobs 15 0.5 27 0.9 11 0.4 19 0.6
Total Jobs 78 $2.1 140 $3.7 58 $1.6 99 $2.6
Total Construction Value per Phase** $66.1 $118.4 $49.3 $84.1
Total Construction Value per Year $13.2 $23.7 $9.9 $16.8
NOTES: Metro Area D.C.
. Overall employment: 30.0 per million dollars 5.9 per million dollars
Employment multipliers: 2.21 1.24
Overall earnings: 0.70 x construction value 0.156 x construction value
Earnings multipliers: 2.03 1.31
* Earnings shown in millions of dollars.
** Total estimated construction = $276.2 million (See appendix E).

Site Management and Operations

Impacts on Operations

As described for the proposed plan, there would be no additional effects on site operations as a result of visitor arrivals for special events or ceremonial functions.

Additional staff could be required to implement proposed actions, including landscape maintenance and visitor center operations. Offsite nursery facilities could require expansion. A comprehensive landscape management plan would help ensure a consistent level of maintenance for all areas of President's Park.

Impacts on Maintenance

The development of a 4,000-square-foot maintenance and materials storage facility in conjunction with the Ellipse parking garage would reduce travel times when transporting equipment and increase staff efficiency.

Reducing special events in size and duration, and rotating the locations for such events around the Ellipse, would help minimize impacts on site resources, thus reducing staff time spent rehabilitating turf and garden areas.

As described for the proposed plan, creating more informal garden areas on the Ellipse would increase site maintenance activities; however, this additional time could be offset by more efficient operations.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Impacts on Utilities

Analysis

The main impact to utilities under alternative 1 would be caused by the parking structure under Pennsylvania Avenue, as discussed for the proposed plan. In addition, parking structures and pedestrian tunnels under the Ellipse and under the south plaza of the Treasury Building would further impact utilities. Moving the visitor center to the east side of 15th Street would avoid tunnel conflicts with utilities beneath 15th Street.

When design development for underground structures was started, utility surveys would be conducted to precisely identify line locations. Discussions with utility owners and the District of Columbia would also determine relocation plans, capacity issues, and costs.

Public Utilities. The construction of staff and delivery corridors in the White House complex would potentially affect utilities. The northside parking facility could affect electric lines (24-conduit and 19-conduit ductbanks) along the center of Pennsylvania Avenue, a 20" diameter line along the south side of Pennsylvania, and telephone ductbanks along the north side of Pennsylvania.

Waterlines. Impacts on waterlines would be similar to those discussed for the proposed plan. Constructing the visitor center, Ellipse parking garage, and belowground corridor on the east side of 15th street could potentially interfere with the 24" diameter water main on the south side of E Street. Utilities would also need to be relocated to accommodate the new portal ramp and garage for the eastside parking/delivery facility.

Sewers. As described for the proposed plan, the Ellipse parking garage and pedestrian corridors from the garage could interfere with the 9'8" diameter combined storm/sanitary sewer that traverses the Ellipse. The sewer might have to be replaced and relocated to accommodate this development. Utilities would also be affected by the pedestrian tunnel from the visitor center. Further coordination would be required to identify impacts and solutions.

The 42" brick sewer that runs north and south through the Ellipse has been abandoned and would have to be removed to accommodate the Ellipse parking structure. If this structure is historic, it would be documented in accordance with HABS/HAER standards.

Conclusion

Similar to the proposed plan, public utilities under Pennsylvania Avenue would be bored beneath or temporarily relocated during construction of the parking garage and pedestrian corridors. The magnitude of sewer impacts would also be similar to the proposed plan, but the locations of impacts would differ because all facilities would be within President's Park. The largest storm/sanitary line to be crossed would be the 9'8" line under the corner of the Ellipse and E Street. No utility impacts would occur on 15th and 17th Streets, as they would under the other alternatives.

Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources

Construction on the north grounds could result in the irretrievable loss of commemorative trees associated with particular presidents. Constructing both the staff parking garage and the White House visitor center under portions of the Ellipse could result in irretrievable losses of American elms. New elms planted to replace individual trees would take a number of years to grow to match the stature and

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Impacts of Alternative 1: Cumulative Impacts

dignity of existing trees. Excavations for an Ellipse parking facility would irreversibly alter the stratigraphy of any archeological resources that might be discovered.

Similar to the proposed plan, this alternative would result in commitments of natural, physical, human, and fiscal resources. Land used for proposed facilities would be irreversibly committed during the period a facility was in place. Fossil fuels (oil, gasoline), labor, and construction materials used for new facilities and infrastructure would not be retrievable. These materials are not scarce, and their use would not affect their current availability or supply. The one-time expenditure of public funds would not be retrievable.

The Relationship of Short-term Uses of the Environment and the
Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-term Productivity

As descried for the proposed plan, short-term disruptions of vistas, White House complex traffic, pedestrian movements, the visitor experience, and site operations (such as deliveries) would result during the construction of underground facilities. However, upon completion these facilities would improve all the functions temporarily disrupted, as well as overall visual quality for the area. Experiences for pedestrians and visitors would be improved, and White House complex operations would be enhanced. At no time would important functions necessary to executive operations of the government be impeded.

Cumulative Impacts

Construction-related losses of American elms on the Ellipse, in conjunction with losses on the National Mall, would add to the loss of these trees throughout Washington, D.C.

As described for the proposed plan, the National Park Service is continually seeking to provide an exceptional experience for visitors to the Monumental Core. Future changes within this area, the addition of new sites, and improved transit systems and parking options would all enhance the visitor experience, especially in conjunction with an improved White House visitor center and public tour experience. A positive visitor experience would also benefit the city because visitors would be more likely to return in the future or encourage others to visit.

As described for the proposed plan, plans being considered for the long-term design of Pennsylvania Avenue and for the north- and southside barrier replacement projects (including realigning a section of west South Executive Avenue) have been coordinated with the overall goals of this Comprehensive Design Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement. As these efforts were implemented, they should foster a consistency of design and materials throughout President's Park.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Relationship to Other Plans and Efforts

Alternative 1 would promote some elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital (see the "Relationship of this Document to Other Plans and Efforts"), such as promoting visitor services and information, providing outlying parking areas with a shuttle system to the Monumental Core, maintaining open space, and ensuring he consistency of design. Removing vendors would conflict with some D.C. goals.

Both the Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994 and the Transportation Plan for the District of Columbia encourage changes that would benefit White House staff and visitors, such as extending Metrorail operating hours and providing public vehicle and tour bus parking.

The interim leasing of White House staff parking in private facilities could further constrain The short term parking supply. As noted in the impact discussion for public parking, impacts would depend upon the available parking supply when the leases were acquired.

The proposed E Street road-way width and the accompanying volume of traffic might not be consistent with many of the elements outlined in the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As a visual and physical barrier across President's Park,. E Street would preclude a pedestrian-oriented environment and negatively affect, rather than enhance, the historic landscape.

E Street as a four-lane road-way :would be consistent with NCPC's. Extending the Legacy plan, which identifies E Street as a secondary connector in the transportation system (NCPC 1996) However, this action in itself would do little to solve overall traffic problems in the downtown area.

An increase of 170 parking spaces would not be consistent with parking policies stated in the Long--Range Transportation Plan for the National Capitol Region or the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capitol, which would emphasize managing parking to maximize the use of: public transportation and high occupancy vehicles. :

All NPS initiatives: would be supported as described in the proposed plan

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IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVE 2

Cultural Resources

Impacts on the Cultural Landscape

Analysts

Proposed actions under this alternative that would help restore the historical scene and views include removing all surface parking within President's Park and the White House complex, tunneling E Street, and moving special events to the northeast panel of the Ellipse. These actions would greatly improve the visual beauty of the views across the Ellipse area to the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial from the White House and the south grounds, as well as views toward the White House from the Ellipse. Pedestrians along East and West Executive Avenues would also enjoy expansive views of the Ellipse and the Washington Monument from the pedestrian plazas developed at the southern ends of both avenues. Tunneling E Street would allow the south grounds and the Ellipse to be reconnected, enhancing the perception of a unified design for President's Park and the White House. Relocating special events on the Ellipse to a permanent events plaza would reduce impacts on the turf and help improve the overall appearance of this area.

As described for the proposed plan and alter-native 1, the establishment of pedestrian entryways would introduce new architectural elements to the site and focus visitor traffic at these areas. Implementing Design Guidelines for the site would help ensure that design elements and materials would be compatible throughout the site, helping create a unified character for the White House and President's Park.

Construction impacts would be similar to those described for the proposed plan. Tunneling E Street would affect views to and from the south side of the White House over a one -to two-year period.

Resource Management. As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, no additional memorials within President's Park would be encouraged, helping to maintain existing views.

Home and Office of the President. Similar to the proposed plan, intrusions on historical views south from the White House across the Ellipse toward the Potomac would be restored by removing parking on the Ellipse and tunneling E Street.

The Old Executive Office Building, which is a national historic landmark, would be adjacent to the proposed meeting facility under West Executive Avenue and to the 290-space parking garage beneath the building's south plaza. A new entrance/exit portal to the parking garage on State Place and one on West Executive Avenue would be new visual intrusions on the setting of this historic structure. Other impacts on this historic building would need to be mitigated through sensitive design. The redesign of the surface of West Executive Avenue would be handled in such a way as to retain the general character of a roadway.

As described for the proposed plan, constructing first family indoor recreation space belowground north of the residence, news media facilities below West Wing Drive, and a staff circulation corridor along the north side of the White House would put five commemorative trees at risk.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

As described for the proposed plan and alter-native 1, redeveloping the present NPS grounds maintenance facility south of the White House would affect the landscape during construction, but proper design would mitigate any adverse visual effects.

Visitor Use and Services. An underground visitor center south and west of the Treasury Building would draw large numbers to the entrance on East Executive Park, potentially detracting from the formal design and dignity of this area.

As described for alternative 1, visitors would enter the White House visitor entrance building directly from the visitor center, requiring a redesign for this facility to accommodate an escalator, a stairway, and an elevator. Any redesign would need to ensure that the design complemented the present site character.

The visitor center would be adjacent to the Fifteenth Street Financial Historic District, the Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site, and the Federal Triangle Historic District. There would be a minimal effect on these historic landscapes.

An expanded interpretive program at entrances to President's Park and throughout the site would potentially increase use and traffic.

Public recreation would be continued on the Ellipse, but passive activities would be encouraged, helping preserve the park's formal vistas.

Special Events. As described for the proposed plan, requiring special events to reflect the dignity and purpose of the site, along with providing a permanent events plaza and infrastructure needed to stage events, would reduce visual impacts on the setting of the White House and President's Park and help protect vistas to and from the White House. The design of the events plaza would be consistent with the Design Guidelines so as to minimize or mitigate any adverse effects on site character. Requiring materials (such as fencing, scaffolding, and stages) to be removed from the site in a timely manner adder an event ended would also minimize intrusions on the site character.

Transportation. Tunneling E Street, thereby relocating traffic through President's Park that has become increasingly intrusive over the last 60 years, and replacing the roadway with wide pedestrian paths, would improve the ambience of this area and help unify the site. However, traffic noise east and west of the tunnel could intrude on the enjoyment of an otherwise peaceful setting.

Entrance portals for the E Street tunnel east and west of the park would compromise the integrity of surrounding neighborhoods. The visual intrusion of these portals might be mitigated with vegetation. The portals would also intrude on the settings of properties on the National Register of Historic Places, national historic districts, or D.C. historic districts. Substantial widening would be necessary on the approaches west of 17th Street, bringing the right-of-way adjacent to a historic structure and substantially changing the character of the neighborhood. Traffic noise would also affect the setting of nearby areas.

Creating pedestrian walkways along the eastern and western portions of South Executive Avenue' which would become plazas at their southern ends, would respect the general intent of the original designers, but these plazas would substantially change the character of the area by creating a terrace effect to the east and west of the White House grounds. The current park roadway appearance would be lost.

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Impacts of Alternative 2: Cultural Resources

Conclusion

Historical views south from the White House across the Ellipse to the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial would be restored by removing parking on the Ellipse, tunneling E Street, and providing new garage and delivery facilities belowground. Without the intrusion of traffic across the site, all elements of President's Park could be reconnected, enhancing the perception of a unified design. Five commemorative trees on the White House grounds could be damaged or lost as a result of construction.

Entrance portals for the E Street tunnel east and west of the park would compromise the character of surrounding neighborhoods and the settings of adjacent historic structures and districts.

An entrance in East Executive Park to the visitor center would be a new element and would draw large number of visitors, potentially detracting from the formal nature and dignity of the site.

The addition of parking entrance and exit portals south and east of the Old Executive Office Building would be new elements that would intrude on the setting of this historic structure. Impacts would need to be mitigated through sensitive design. Creating plazas at the southern ends of East and West Executive Avenues would substantially change the character of the area by creating terraces east and west of the White House grounds. The current park roadway appearance would be lost.

Impacts on Archeological Resources

Analysis

As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, archeological resources would be protected through (1) an organized program for surveying, testing, and recording archeological resources, (2) preparing a survey for the property, and (3) making the collection available for study by scholars.

Actions under this alternative that could affect archeological resources include (1) new meeting space and possibly media facilities under West Executive Avenue (similar to the proposed plan), (2) a 290-space underground parking facility south of the Old Executive Office Building, (3) indoor recreation space for the first family belowground to the north of the White House (the same as the proposed plan), (4) a 40,000-square-foot visitor center beneath the south plaza of the Treasury Building, (5) pedestrian plazas at the south ends of East and West Executive Avenues, (6) a special events plaza on the northeast quad-rant of the Ellipse (the same as the proposed plan), (7) an E Street tunnel, (8) two below-ground pedestrian and service corridors, and (9) a rerouted Ellipse steamline (the same as the proposed plan). Potential effects could be mitigated through survey, monitoring, and recordation.

Conclusion

Any disturbance of archeological resources during excavations could be mitigated through survey, monitoring, and recordation.

Impacts on Historic Buildings and Structures

Analysis

Home and Office of the President. Executive Residence-As described for the proposed plan and alternative 1, providing indoor recreation space for the first family would help meet existing needs and minimize the potential for future impacts on historic resources and the surrounding cultural landscape.

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Comprehensive Design Plan Continued