WASHINGTON - More than 150 people turned out on February 12 at the National Building Museum to hear National Capital Planning Commission Executive Director Patti Gallagher present the Commission's strategies for balancing security with preservation and enhancement of Washington's Monumental Core.

Following Gallagher's presentation, Eleanor Clift of Newsweek Magazine moderated a panel discussion with Richard L. Friedman, NCPC Security Task Force Chairman; D.C. Congressional Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton; Robert A. Peck, President of the Greater Washington Board of Trade; Laurie Olin, FASLA who is designing perimeter security for the Washington Monument; and Andrew Altman Director of the D.C. Office of Planning.

One popular topic of discussion was the closure of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. Although the Commission deemed the closure necessary at present, panel participants seemed optimistic that advanced technology may allow for a reopened Avenue in the future. The panel also agreed that the reopening of E Street should happen immediately.

The cost of the Commission's proposed security plan, now being developed by NCPC, is estimated at $100 million. Friedman suggested that some of the money could be diverted from funds that are already being spent by federal agencies that have been implementing temporary security measures. Norton commended NCPC for being proactive in developing an urban design and security plan for the Nation's Capital and she pledged to continue working with the Commission to secure Congressional funding for implementing the plan. NCPC expects to complete its Urban Design and Security Plan this summer.