Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Fort Belvoir launches master planning process

Fort Belvoir has launched a comprehensive mater planning process that will guide the installation’s land use strategies through 2030 and advance the Army’s goal of transforming Fort Belvoir into a world-class military installation.

At a kick-off meeting held Nov. 7, Installation Commander Col. Brian W. Lauritzen said the eight-month planning process would begin almost immediately with the development of a vision statement by Thanksgiving and would conclude with the submission of a final plan in June of next year.

“With this master planning process, we are moving on a parallel track with the extensive work that is already being done on the BRAC realignment,” Lauritzen explained. “The BRAC realignment is necessarily focused on the immediate need to develop siting and infrastructure plans for the Engineer Proving Ground and the parts of the main post impacted by BRAC. The master planning process will examine the needs of the rest of the installation and align our long-term plan with the BRAC moves and the new vision for Fort Belvoir.”

“This kick-off for the master plan represents yet another step forward in our efforts to make Fort Belvoir an even better place to live and work,” he added.

The master plan will be developed by Belvoir New Vision Planners, a joint venture between the engineering firms PBS&J and SOM that is also planning and managing the Fort Belvoir BRAC realignment.

At Tuesday’s meeting, project manager Ken Kost said his team would be guided by several core principles, including strong environmental stewardship and reducing the necessity for employees to use their cars during the workday to access food service and other amenities.

Preserving Fort Belvoir’s character and historical legacy for future generations is also a high priority.

Kost described a planning approach characterized by three broad steps: developing a vision and general goals; evaluating alternatives and selecting a plan; and implementing the plan. The process will ultimately result in an installation design guide and a capital investment strategy. Specific area development plans will be developed for the airfield, community support area, lower north post, hospital, town center, 1400 area, industrial area, and 300 area.

Lauritzen concluded Tuesday’s meeting by urging all of the stakeholders on Fort Belvoir to participate actively in the work on the master plan.

“To achieve our goals and to realize our ambitious vision for Fort Belvoir, we need everyone to get actively involved in this process, Lauritzen said.

Editor’s note: Paul J. Reagan is with McGuire Woods Consulting, a public relations firm delivering communications services to Belvoir New Vision Planners.