The NFATC proposed expansion presents a further and unwelcome incursion into the Alcova Heights community, removing a valued community asset:  the pedestrian path connecting S. George Mason and S. Quincy Street.  Furthermore, the presence of NFATC represents a significant hinderance to the east-west connections by bikes and pedestrians, unnecessarily forcing community residents including children onto more dangerous roads (Glebe and Route 50) to reach the Thomas Jefferson Community Center and middle school by foot. Moreover, the NFATC bifurcates the Alcova Heights neighborhood into two separate parts (1st-3rd and 5th-9th), connected only by Glebe Road.  A fenceline public path along the southern perimeter of the NFATC site would resolve both challenges.  Such a path is already envisioned in the County's Transportation Master Plan. Therefore:

1) We object to the removal of the existing pedestrian path between George Mason and S. Quincy, and further urge GSA to provide a contiguous east-west path around the southern perimeter of the parcel
2) We request that the proposed perimeter fences be pulled back by 20' and that GSA grant the County a permanent 20' public access easement to build a perimeter trail connecting 3rd St S to the existing trail at Quincy at 6th St S
3) We request that the proposed perimeter fences be pulled back to the north side of the existing trail between George Mason and Quincy at 6th St S and that GSA permanently provide public access to the existing trail between George Mason and Quincy at 6th St S.