ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, May 23, 1996 TAG: 9605230077
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
After six months reviewing modern suggestions, the Park Service turned to an old expert on the capital - Thomas Jefferson - for guidance on turning Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House into a people's park.
Ever since a two-block section of one of America's most famous streets was closed a year ago amid security concerns, planners have struggled with how to protect the White House without turning it into a fortress.
A plan unveiled Wednesday emphasizes security efforts but tries to keep them as unobtrusive as possible. The principal change would involve tearing out the old asphalt in front of the White House and replacing it with a gently arcing promenade bordered by grass and trees - a concept advanced by Jefferson 200 years ago.
Jefferson has another contribution, as well: The tall wrought-iron fence that borders the grounds would come down, replaced by a lower wall and fence to make that area look much as it did when he occupied the newly completed presidential mansion.
``There was no avenue in the original plan,'' National Park Service Director Roger Kennedy said. ``It was thought of as a town square, where people could come on their feet and gather very close to those who ruled them.''
But with all the talk of beautification, Kennedy also said, ``I believe that the nation's security needs will remain protected against the perils of a world that is not always gentle.''
To that end, concrete barriers blocking 15th and 17th streets would be replaced with heavy concrete tree and flower planters. Security gates that rise and lower from beneath the street would keep cars out.
The perimeter would be lined with less-obtrusive bollards - 3-foot-high wrought-iron poles.
Inside Lafayette Park, which is opposite the White House, broken fountains would be taken out and replaced by new fountains north and south of a statue of Andrew Jackson. Chess tables would be refurbished.
``The notion is to get as much street life in as we can - like the piazza in front of a great cathedral,'' Kennedy said. ``That's not there now.''
The plans looked just fine to Jeff Hill, a former Washingtonian visiting from Portland, Maine. ``I can certainly appreciate the security concerns, but this will make this area a more pleasant place to sit,'' he said. ``When I moved away in 1987, this was a very busy road, and it could be hard to cross the street.''
Congress is expected to vote on the renovation this summer. The plan already has opponents.
Sen. Rod Grams, R-Minn., who calls this an overreaction to perceived terrorist threats, has introduced a resolution to reopen the street.
Tom Anzalone, who lives in Falls Church, Va., said he hopes Grams prevails. ``It's turned my commute into a nightmare. It's a shame to see this fortress mentality.''
President Clinton ordered the two blocks closed last May after the Secret Service concluded it was necessary for the president and the mansion. That was less than six weeks after the bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building.
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC:New plan for pennsylvania avenue. color.by CNB