Mount Vernon Circle Security Project

MOUNT VERNON CIRCLE SECURITY PROJECT

CONTENTS Project Overview.......................................................2 Project Justification................................................. 4 Project Objectives.....................................................5 Installation Description...........................................6 Funding..........................................................................7 Concept Plan..................................................................8 Proposed Costs..........................................................9 Proposed Schedule..................................................9 Environmental Impact and Sustainability......10

MOUNT VERNON CIRCLE SECURITY PROJECT

Commuter Impact.................................................... 11 Community Engagement.................................... 12 Conclusion.................................................................. 13

CONTENTS

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PROJECT OVERVIEW George Washington’s Mount Vernon, a national historic treasure and a major tourist attraction, is seeking approval from the National Park Service to install security bollards along the George Washington Parkway.

This project aims to enhance the safety of our visitors, who number over one million annually, with approximately one-third being school groups that gather along the brick-paved pathways adjacent to the parkway.

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PROJECT OVERVIEW

PROJECT OVERVIEW

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PROJECT JUSTIFICATION The George Washington Parkway is a scenic route that provides access to Mount Vernon and is a major commuter thoroughfare for people living in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, vehicles often exceed the posted speed limit of 25 mph, posing a significant risk to pedestrians. According to AAA, the average risk of pedestrian fatality increases dramatically with higher impact speeds: 10% at 23 mph, 25% at 32 mph, and 50% at 42 mph.

The brick-paved pathways where our visitors gather are perilously close to the parkway, making them susceptible to accidents caused by speeding vehicles. In 2018, a drunk driver hit the Mount Vernon entry sign and brick wall in the traffic circle, and in 2019, a motorcyclist lost control and went through the bushes onto the sidewalk in front of the Mount Vernon Inn Complex. Additionally, as the home of the first President of the United States, Mount Vernon is considered a high-profile target for potential acts of domestic terrorism. A man was arrested in April 2019 after stealing a van with the plan to drive it into a crowd in National Harbor, 8.8 miles from Mount Vernon.

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PROJECT JUSTIFICATION

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

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Visitor Safety: Install security bollards to safeguard visitors, especially school groups, along the brick-paved pathways adjacent to the George Washington Parkway.

2. Traffic Management: Mitigate the risk of accidents caused by vehicles exceeding the speed limit on the parkway by creating a physical barrier between the road and pedestrians.

3. Security Enhancement: Strengthen the security infrastructure at Mount Vernon to deter and prevent potential threats, ensuring the safety of both visitors and historic assets.

4. Environmental Considerations: Assess and minimize any potential environmental impact to ensure the installation aligns with sustainable practices.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

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INSTALLATION DESCRIPTION To enhance the security of the George Washington Parkway terminus circle, we have undertaken a project to install 58 strategically placed bollards along the brick pathway, which extends from the east parking lot to the front of the Mount Vernon Inn. This initiative aims to provide a safe and inviting environment for our guests while preserving the historical character of our cherished site.

The bollards, each concrete-filled steel covered with a decorative cast iron sleeve, were meticulously selected to blend seamlessly with the surrounding historic ambiance. These bollards will stand as unobtrusive sentinels, safeguarding against unauthorized vehicle intrusion into the pedestrian and bicycle zones.

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INSTALLATION DESCRIPTION

The spacing of these bollards is a vital consideration. To ensure safety and ease of access, they are evenly spaced 5 feet apart. This deliberate arrangement creates a protective barrier that deters vehicle traffic from entering the secured area while permitting the free passage of pedestrians and cyclists along the trail.

A three-foot setback will allow buses and cars to open doors for passenger loading and unloading.

The setback also allows a safe distance from the parkway, further safeguarding visitors and enhancing their overall experience. Anchored two feet into the ground and secured with concrete, these bollards offer stability and resilience, ensuring they remain steadfast in the event of an impact.

Additionally, we have incorporated five removable bollards into the design to accommodate authorized vehicles in emergency situations or when access to the pathway or property is required. This flexibility ensures that we can balance safety with practicality and convenience.

FUNDING This project is fully funded by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and can commence immediately upon approval from the National Park Service.

FUNDING

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SITE PLAN • • • • •

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60 Standard Bollards 5 Removable Bollards 280 lineal feet Set 3 feet from curb Set 5 feet apart

CONCEPT SITE PLAN

PROPOSED COSTS The total cost of the project is $620,000. The project is fully funded through private funds from the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. The MVLA’s reserve funds will cover unforeseen costs, resulting in no project schedule delays.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE Installation of the bollards will take four months. The work will be done after hours to impact traffic around the circle as little as possible. The shoulder of the traffic circle will be barricaded for workman safety.

Barricades, signage, and lighting will be removed at the end of each work night. The bollards will be installed in three sections of 20 bollards each.

COSTS / SCHEDULE

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA) is dedicated to the preservation of the historical integrity and natural environment of Mount Vernon, and we approach our projects with great care and responsibility. In this spirit, we anticipate installing security bollards in our historic estate will have an exceptionally minimal environmental impact. One of the primary reasons for this is our strategic decision to install the bollards along the existing brick hardscape. This approach ensures that there will be no disturbance to the surrounding trees, vegetation, or green spaces, both during the construction phase and long after the project’s completion. Stormwater management will be the same as the existing design due to the nature of the hardscapes; water not absorbed by the existing surrounding green spaces will run into the stormwater runoff of the George Washington Parkway. The MLVA is committed to the health of the Potomac River viewshed and will continue to maintain absorbent spaces that reduce environmental impact on our shared river.

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Moreover, the design of the security bollards has been thoughtfully crafted to minimize their environmental and historical impact on the site. These bollards are intentionally discreet and unobtrusive, carefully selected to seamlessly integrate with the aesthetic and historical significance of Mount Vernon. MVLA’s steadfast commitment to preserving the estate’s historical character extends to every aspect of this project, ensuring that it complements rather than disrupts the natural and historical beauty of the site.

In our pursuit of excellence, Mount Vernon is sourcing materials of the highest quality for constructing these bollards. These materials are chosen for their durability and longevity, underlining our dedication to a sustainable and enduring solution. Additionally, the maintenance of these bollards will be the responsibility of MVLA, assuring the ongoing care and preservation of this vital security enhancement while preserving the rich heritage and environment of George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

COMMUTER IMPACT The George Washington Parkway holds a pivotal role as a major multimodal commuter thoroughfare, connecting various communities and providing essential transportation links. At George Washington’s Mount Vernon, we are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining the accessibility and convenience of this vital commuter route. In fact, installing security bollards is a testament to this commitment, as they will enhance safety and security for all individuals utilizing this transportation corridor.

One of the paramount benefits of these bollards is their positive impact on the safety of those waiting at the Fairfax Circulator and Metro bus stops along the parkway. These security measures will act as a protective shield, safeguarding commuters as they wait for their transportation creating a more secure environment for all. Furthermore, the bollards will extend their protective reach to encompass bicyclists and pedestrians traversing the Potomac Heritage

Trail. Their presence ensures a safer experience for those using this scenic trail, aligning with our dedication to preserving the well-being of all commuters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Importantly, installing these bollards will not hinder the movement of bicyclists or impede access for bus riders, including those with disabilities. Designed to be strategically spaced and offering openings between them, these bollards will allow for easy and unobstructed passage for all individuals, whether cyclists or bus commuters. In essence, this project is not about inhibiting access but about enhancing safety and security while preserving the integrity of the George Washington Parkway as a vital transportation artery.

COMMUTER IMPACT

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association is dedicated to transparency and community engagement in installing security bollards along the George Washington Parkway at Mount Vernon. MVLA will diligently file public permits with Fairfax County and the National Park Service to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach. MVLA recognizes the importance of public input throughout this process and will actively involve the local community.

As part of this commitment, MVLA will facilitate public comment periods during which the proposed initiatives and project details will be posted on the respective websites of Fairfax County and the NPS. This will enable the local community and stakeholders to share their feedback openly. MVLA will also establish a public forum where community members can participate, ask questions, and express their concerns. MVLA will host a public presentation of the proposed initiatives to facilitate dialogue, ensuring clarity and addressing any questions attendees raise. This presentation will be recorded and made available to the public, ensuring accessibility and transparency.

Moreover, MVLA is committed to taking public comments seriously. The organization will actively share these comments with the NPS and Fairfax County and work collaboratively to address any concerns or suggestions raised during the public engagement process. This collaborative approach reflects MVLA’s dedication to preserving Mount Vernon’s historical significance while fostering community and transparency in its endeavors.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

CONCLUSION George Washington’s Mount Vernon seeks the National Park Service’s approval to install security bollards along the George Washington Parkway to ensure the safety of our visitors, protect our historic site, and mitigate the risk of accidents caused by speeding vehicles. The project is fully funded and will have minimal environmental impact. We kindly request your support and cooperation in implementing this critical security enhancement measure.

CONCLUSION

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