The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the potential impacts from the proposed redevelopment of the Old Post Office Building (OPO), located at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The EA is being prepared in accordance with Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA requires a Federal agency to provide the public with an opportunity to participate in the process of analyzing impacts to the human environment that could result from the proposed Federal action. GSA has initiated consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 16 U.S.C. 470f.
The purpose and need for the proposed action is to comply with the Old Post Office Building Redevelopment Act of 2008, PL 110-359. The act authorizes the Administrator of General Services to provide for the redevelopment of the OPO, including any improvements thereon and specifically including the Pavilion Annex. The Administrator of General Services is directed to proceed with redevelopment of the Old Post Office Building in accordance with existing authorities available to the Administrator and consistent with the redevelopment plan previously approved by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations and Environment and Public Works of the Senate.
The proposed action being analyzed in the EA is the redevelopment of the OPO pursuant to PL 110-359. The action alternative analyzed in the EA represents the proposed redevelopment of the OPO by the preferred selected developer. Under the Action Alternative, the OPO would be redeveloped as a mixed-use luxury hotel and conference facility. The facility would provide for luxury hotel rooms and suites, museum space, restaurants, retail space, a bar/lounge, an exhibition gallery, a library/seating area, a spa/health club, a gift shop, a ballroom, and conference space. The existing clock tower will remain open to the public. Pursuant to NEPA regulations, impacts from a No Action Alternative are also analyzed in the EA. The No Action Alternative is the continuation of the current maintenance and operation of the OPO and Pavilion Annex.
The EA studies in detail the potential impacts that might result from the Action Alternative and a No Action Alternative to the following resource topics on the human environment: Land Use and Planning Policies, Public Space, Cultural Resources, Visual Resources, Socioeconomics, Vegetation, Stormwater Management, Floodplains, Air Quality, Transportation (Vehicular and Non-vehicular), Parking, Utilities, and Energy Use and Sustainability.
Environmental Assessment: Public Involvement Opportunities
The Final EA and FONSI are being made available to the public, Federal and local government agencies, and other stakeholder for a 30 calendar day public review period. GSA is now accepting public comments concerning the Final EA and FONSI through June 21, 2013.
In making their decision to transfer jurisdiction of a portion of property to GSA to allow proposed action to move forward, the NPS, in accordance with 43 CFR 46.320, is adopting GSA’s 2013 Final EA and will issue its own decision document based on the findings of this EA and any public input received.
Written comments must be postmarked by June 21, 2013. If no information leading to a contrary finding is received or comes to light during the 30-day review period, the FONSI will become final. Written comments and inquires regarding the Final EA and FONSI should be submitted to:
U.S. General Services Administration, Public Buildings Service
Attention: Ms. Suzanne Hill, Regional Environmental Planning Officer
301 7th Street, SW, Room 4004
Washington, DC 20407
The following files are available for download:
- Old Post Office Redevelopment Final EA
- Old Post Office Redevelopment Final Transportation Study
- Old Post Office Redevelopment Signed FONSI
Documents related to NEPA