NCPC approves modernization plans for Neville B. Thomas Elementary School; designers raised floodplain protections

NCPC staff presented site and building plans submitted by the District Department of General Services for modernization and expansion of Neville B. Thomas Elementary School in the Mayfair neighborhood (Ward 7). Staff reported the proposal would rehabilitate the 1940s classroom wing, demolish a later 1960s wing that has been prone to flooding and build a new addition raised two feet above the 500-year floodplain to reduce flood risk and align floor levels for accessibility.

The landscape design includes outdoor education "rooms," integrated stormwater management and a community connection pathway. Staff found the planting plan generally consistent with NCPC's pollinator best-practices guide while noting a small number of cultivars are proposed; the applicant explained cultivars were chosen for their maintenance profile and that they will plant two milkweed species rather than common milkweed because of maintenance concerns.

Public commenter Bernard Byrne urged inclusion of common milkweed and cautioned that some selected cultivars do not support native pollinators. Staff and the applicant said they will use native species and explained the rationale for cultivar use and alternative milkweeds.

Vice Chair Hulett moved approval of the preliminary and final site and building plans; Commissioner Argo seconded. The commission approved the plans with Commissioners Davis and Warren recorded as abstaining.