NCPC signs off on concept comments for new Pennsylvania Avenue public‑space plan

The National Capital Planning Commission on April 2 provided comments on concept designs for a new plan for Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the U.S. Capitol, endorsing staff’s approach and asking the project team to refine alternatives for street trees, flagpoles and western plaza configurations.

NCPC staff framed three corridor design moves for feedback: reallocation of roadway cross‑section (reducing travel lanes and shifting the center bike lane), a choice between canopy or columnar street trees, and an option to add ceremonial flagpoles to frame the Capitol view. Staff also presented two alternatives for Freedom Plaza (historic diagonal alignment creating two plazas vs. a central street‑level plaza) and design options for Market Square and John Marshall Park. Commissioners widely praised the multi‑agency partnership and recommended further study of operational requirements, event logistics and infrastructure modernization.

Commissioner Stidham and others favored canopy trees for shade and pedestrian comfort and expressed reservations about permanent tall flagpoles, citing future misuse and operational complications. Staff noted the poles were shown at 60 feet for concept purposes and recommended further study on integrating ancillary functions without compromising the avenue’s visual quality. NCPC voted to approve the comments and encouraged continued coordination among partner agencies and future public outreach.