Trees — including cherry trees — were removed at East Potomac Park before the redevelopment plan received official approval.
The park was designated by Congress in 1897 to be held "forever" for public recreation, and I believe that commitment should be honored.
The current plan would convert public recreational land — used for golf, tennis, fishing, biking, and picnicking — into an exclusive, private-style golf course.
I am concerned the project may proceed without full compliance with federal environmental and historic preservation review requirements (NEPA and the National Historic Preservation Act).
There is active federal litigation over this project, and I believe Congress should not wait on the courts to exercise its own oversight role.
Request that the Department of the Interior and National Park Service fully comply with all required environmental and historic preservation review before any further work.
Request a Congressional oversight hearing on the East Potomac Park redevelopment.
Ask that you publicly state your position on this project.
Let you know I will be watching how you handle this issue, and that it will factor into my future advocacy and voting decisions.
I am a regular visitor to East Potomac Park and am willing to share my own observations if that would be useful to advocacy organizations or your office.