On Dec. 15 a panel of architects and planners held a press conference in Washington to explain a design plan for the section of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House, which has been closed because of security reasons.

On general review, some of the panel's recommendations seem reasonable. But a closer examination of some of its specifics reveals ideas that would fundamentally alter this historic site.

Among the "guiding principles" of this panel were "to celebrate historical continuity" and "provide opportunities to reflect on the history of the country." Yet a central element of its proposals would violate both charges.

The panel has taken upon itself the mission of "correcting" the "cluttered" views of the White House, especially looking south from 16th Street but also, perhaps, the restricted views from H Street NW and from Vermont and Connecticut avenues. It suggests moving the statue of Andrew Jackson out of the center of Lafayette Park to clear up the sight lines. So much for celebrating "historic continuity."

The Andrew Jackson statue has been at its present site since Jan. 8, 1853. It was there a decade before the Statue of Freedom was placed atop the Capitol dome, and it was the first equestrian statue cast in the United States by an American sculptor.

By depicting Jackson as a general in uniform, the statue reminds us that this president defeated the British at New Orleans during the War of 1812, the conflict that ensured the continued independence of the United States.

On its pedestal is engraved President Jackson's famous response to those who exalted states' rights above the nation:

"Our Federal Union, It Must Be Preserved."

These words remind us that, prior to Abraham Lincoln, Jackson did more than any other president to preserve the union by staunchly opposing the argument that any state had the authority to nullify national laws with which it disagreed. Jackson's statue symbolizes and personifies the early national period of this country as well as any monument in the District. To move it would be a supreme act of historical desecration.

Another of the panelists' proposals is to build a promenade with statues of the presidents within Lafayette Park. Regardless of the number of chief executives so honored, this promenade probably would be a dream come true for pigeons and graffiti artists -- not to mention a new kind of visual "clutter."

Lafayette Park is one of those special places in Washington that still retain some of the charm of a 19th century village green. If the National Park Service truly wishes to celebrate historical continuity in the area near the White House, it should direct its attention to preserving the beauty of Lafayette Park as it is configured and dealing with problems of modern urban life that have encroached upon the park, including the vagrancy and litter that detract from its appeal.

One unfortunate result of the closing of Pennsylvania Avenue at the White House, for example, has been the rerouting of tour buses and other heavy vehicles onto H Street, where they pass such historic buildings as St. John's Church and Decatur House. The physical threat to these landmarks from the pollution and vibrations generated by such traffic should not be underestimated.

Continuing caravans of tour buses that park or move along H Street at the top of the park also seriously impair White House vistas that pedestrians strolling the area would otherwise enjoy. Confining tour buses to the 15th and 17th street corridors would improve the aesthetics of the Lafayette Square area while still permitting access.

The National Park Service has said that it will use the panel's ideas to develop a range of designs for Pennsylvania Avenue at the White House. This spring, these alternatives will be made public for review and comment. A final alternative then will be chosen and a design plan presented in January 1997.

As the Park Service proceeds with its plans, it is important for those concerned with preserving and enhancing the Lafayette Park area to monitor the proposals as they emerge. Bad concepts in the service of a good cause must not be permitted to guide this enterprise. After all, we're dealing with the capital's history, not developing a theme park.

-- Richard F. Grimmett