The National Capital Planning Commission, whose leaders were appointed by President Donald Trump, has its eyes set on remaking and modernizing the street that connects the White House with the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
The commission met last Thursday to discuss the construction project for Pennsylvania Avenue. In a planning document, the commission says the 1974 plan for the street “no longer addresses current needs and best practices in city planning, urban design, and economic development.” Therefore, it argues, a new plan is needed.
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The new design is said to prioritize “framed views” of the Capitol and to design the avenue and surrounding areas to “host events of all scales,” according to the NCPC presentation.
The plan comes as Washington is set to host the nation’s 250th birthday in July and an IndyCar street race near the National Mall the following month. The project won’t be completed until after those events take place, however.
The commission is set to review concept designs in April before accepting the new plan and starting construction early next year.
“A new design, modern infrastructure, and efficient stewardship will ensure ‘America’s Main Street’ embodies America’s values, dignity, and strength for generations to come,” the NCPC said.
Other design goals, per the planning document, include updating Pennsylvania Avenue to “efficiently serve multiple modes of transportation,” clearing public areas for the inaugural parade every four years, and adding more retail stores along the avenue in a way that doesn’t compete with downtown.
The commission is responsible for overseeing multiple design projects in the nation’s capital, including Trump’s proposed triumphal arch and the White House ballroom project. It also oversees the new design for the Washington Commanders stadium, but its role is primarily advisory on that project.
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Meanwhile, the Departments of Transportation and the Interior are responsible for organizing the IndyCar Grand Prix this summer by creating a clear, safe route. Trump authorized the event through a recent executive order. The race is part of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations.
Members of Congress are concerned about the legal and logistical questions surrounding the race, given its location on federal land. Congressional approval is required to exempt an advertising ban on Capitol grounds, where racers will be driving their cars covered in sponsor logos. Democratic lawmakers are reportedly opposed to the idea so far, signaling a lack of bipartisan support for such legislation.
