Comprehensive Design Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement
National Park Service. 1999. Comprehensive Design Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement. Washington, D.C.
This Comprehensive Design Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement represents the first comprehensive plan for the White House and President's Park since the site was designated in 1791 by George Washington as the residence for the president. The plan identifies (I) needs andfunctions that will have to be accommodated at the site over the next 20 years, including theneeds of the presidency, as well as of visitors and other site users, (2) means to ensure theprotection of important resources, including the White House itself, and (3) ways to solvelogistical and management problems that have developed over the years. This document presents a proposed plan and three alternatives for a comprehensive design plan for the White House and President's Park. The overall purpose of such a plan is to provide a framework for future management that will respect the history and traditions of this special place. A comprehensive plan is needed because most problems over the last 200 years have been addressed as they have arisen, or nor at all, resulting in a piecemeal approach to implementing solutions. Also, problems occurring outside the area, such as surrounding urban land uses and traffic, are encroaching on the site, threatening its dignity and character.