The National Park Service and the World War I Centennial Commission are preparing an Environmental Assessment to evaluate the effects of establishing a National World War I Memorial by enhancing the area around the existing Pershing Park.
As the first step in the process, the NPS is seeking public comments on the proposal. A public scoping meeting will be held by the NPS and the Commission on Wednesday, May 20, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at the offices of Jones Day, 51 Louisiana Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. During this open house, the project team will be available to discuss alternatives and site characteristics. Comment forms will be available at the meeting.
How to Comment
The preferred manner for providing comments is via an online form through the National Park Service Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website, used by the agency to manage official correspondence and analyze public comment in the planning process. From the project website (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/nama), select “World War I Memorial” from the list, then navigate the menu on the left hand side of the page to “Open for Comment.”
Comments may also be submitted in writing or faxed to:
Glenn DeMarr
National Park Service, National Capital Region
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
ATTN: World War I Memorial
Fax: 703-549-3914
Comments must be entered into the website or postmarked by May 27, 2015 to receive consideration.
About the National World War I Memorial
On December 19, 2014, Congress enacted Public Law 113-291 Section 3091, which officially redesignates Pershing Park as a "World War I Memorial." The law calls for the enhancement of the site to honor the service of members of the United States Armed Forces in World War I and may include commemorative elements such as sculptural and overall landscape design.
The project area, formerly known as Pershing Park, is located one block to the southeast of the White House and is bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue NW to both the north and south, and 15th Street NW and 14th Street NW to the west and east, respectively. This site is also a component of the Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site, an administrative unit of the National Park Service and managed by the National Mall and Memorial Parks.
The World War I Centennial Commission is a Congressionally-established organization responsible for planning, developing, and executing programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I. The Commission along with the National Park Service and in cooperation with the National Capital Planning Commission are responsible for the overall planning, design and construction of the new memorial, and once completed the Secretary of the Interior, through the NPS, will assume responsibility for administering the site.
Comments
A long overdue project. I hope the planners understand the war and America's role in winning the war. This project has my full support and I will watch it carefully.