New Visitor Access Requirements at Ft Myer?

[Fairlington124]

FBI in Springfield would be at the GSA warehouse location, which is very close to the Franconia-Springfield Metro. The soon-to-open “joe alexander road” would make for about a .45 walk (10 minutes) from the Metro to the warehouse proper.

If they invested in a direct mixed-use path, the same trip would be about .3 miles, about 8 minutes walking.

Can’t speak for the other sites because I’m not familiar.

The sort of people who would Metro to FBI in the first place would probably be okay with a short walk. I think that the walk would only be a hindrance to people who would normally drive anyway. But I presume there would be a shuttle.

[chris_s]

I’ve heard nothing back from the community relations manager.

In other news, here’s my post at GGW about it.

[AFHokie]

@lordofthemark 108709 wrote:

I am confused. DC govt very much wants DHS HQ to go to St E’s and IIUC, the main complaint from DC is how long the process is taking. Not comparable to Mark Center at all – DHS is not right at a metro station, no, but its closer to both Anacostia and Congress Heights metros than Mark Center is to any metro (or even to Shirlington bus station) Plus at the time DHS committed to go there, DC was committed to an Anacostia Street Car line (we will see if that still happens)

As for the FBI, DC govt is agreeable that it move away from its current location. The relocation criterion are to be within 2 miles of a metro station, and all currently envisioned sites (Greenbelt, Landover, and Springfield) are. That is not walking distance to metro, but given the kind of campus FBI requires it would be hard to find (but the Greenbelt location is pretty close, isn’t it) and at many stations that would waste an opportunity to put something that would enliven the area more in. Again in contrast to Mark Center, which is just an office building, AFAIK, and could have been located closer to metro fairly easily, except for the cost.

And then of course there are agencies that have moved to metrorail adjacent locations. I note the USDOT HQ, which helped to transform the Navy Yard area in the late ought’s, and even the BATF building, which though criticized for its design, was located near the new NoMa metro station, and may have helped advance the transformation of NoMa.

While not the same scale in number of people as the Pentagon, calling the Mark Center just an office building is like calling the Empire State building just another building. It’s supposed to house nearly 7k employees.

I should quantify, the main issue right now for DHS HQ at St Elizabeth is nobody wants to approve sufficient funding and that will likely impact infrastructure. They did identify the need to rebuild not just transportation, but utility infrastructure, etc, but did they not also identify the need to improve transportation infrastructure when the Mark Ctr was in the proposal stage? Now add the historic label to the DHS HQ site and redevelopment costs quickly reached prohibitive levels. If it’s ever built, a very real chance exists that transportation improvement plans will end up cancelled, delayed, or severely reduced. I don’t put it past the fed to decide it’s cheaper to build several large parking garages on site and call it good enough.

[scoot]

The new Mark Center complex also has significant security requirements that rendered it all but incompatible with Metro-accessible locations. In the long run, this is probably a good thing for TOD, since employers/developers without similar security requirements can make more efficient use of premium real estate near a Metro station.

[acorn]

Any updates? I have been wimping out of biking lately due to cold but maybe some of you tougher folks know what is going on. I wouldn’t mind going through some registration process to get a pass to bike through the base, if it didn’t have to be renewed frequently. (and what are they going to do about the visitors to the bowling alley and pool?)

[Keith W]

I live in South Arlington and have been commuting by bike through Ft. Myer for years. I’m going to test out the process for applying for an AIE permit tomorrow morning. The MP I talked to was very polite and helpful, though she had no information on the application itself, which goes through the Provost Marshall’s office. Will let ya’ll know how it goes….

[Keith W]

@Keith W 109322 wrote:

I live in South Arlington and have been commuting by bike through Ft. Myer for years. I’m going to test out the process for applying for an AIE permit tomorrow morning. The MP I talked to was very polite and helpful, though she had no information on the application itself, which goes through the Provost Marshall’s office. Will let ya’ll know how it goes….

Update: visited building 145 the provost marshall/policy/fire & emergency services directorate. Basically they are just as confused as everyone else about the implementation of the policy. What i was told this morning by the staffer who was handling AIE (Automation Installation Entry) passes was that the application has to be made by a DoD affiliated “sponsor”. She couldn’t or wouldn’t give me an actual application, so i’ll ask a friend who is stationed on base to see if he can get a copy. They did have copies of a 2 sided AIE FAQ sheet that i’ve attached.

Bottom line: seems like the new policy is that any visitor must get a background check. As the article and staff have said, nobody seems to know what that will mean for cyclists or pedestrians, families going bowling or to Twilight Tattoo. Once the AIE system is fully enabled, the only people who seem to be eligible for longer than 1 day AIE visitor passes (the FAQ mentions Friends/Partners of JBM-HH, which i think means those who have official business on base) are those who are sponsored by someone affiliated with DoD. If we want to increase/improve access we are going to need to work with BA, WABA and others.

[chris_s]

More:

1. From now through April 16, 2015, bicyclists (who are not DoD ID card holders and who traverse the Fort Myer and Henderson Hall portions of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall) will have the opportunity to be vetted and receive an Automated Installation Entry (AIE) pass.

2. In the interim, up through April 16, bicyclists will be allowed access to traverse the base through any of its three operational gates during normal hours of operation:

• Hatfield Gate (Washington Blvd. at 2nd Street Bridge) open 24/7
• Wright Gate (Marshall Drive at North Meade Street) open 5 a.m.–11 p.m.
• Henderson Hall Gate 1 (Southgate Road at South Orme Street) open 5 a.m.–11 p.m.

During this time, bicyclists will be required to show a valid, photo ID and follow the Joint Base’s rules for riding a bicycle on base (rules are outlined at #6 below).

3. To register for an AIE Pass, a JBM-HH access request form must be filled out and dropped off in person at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) at Fort Myer’s MP Station, Bldg. 415, between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Beginning Saturday, Mar. 14, the VCC will be open with minimum staffing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturdays and Sundays. Beginning March 16, the VCC will continue to open Monday through Friday beginning at 8 a.m., but its hours will be extended until 7 p.m., with minimum staffing from 3:30 to 7 p.m.
• A copy of the form is attached. A downloadable version of the form may be found online at the “JBM-HH enhanced access control – frequently asked questions” section of our website at: http://www.army.mil/article/142719/JBM_HH_enhanced_access_control___frequently_asked_questions/
• Please know that, unfortunately, at this time we cannot accept pass applications online as previously reported. This is due to the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) the application necessarily contains. Online pass request registration will be allowed at a time when we can ensure a registrant’s privacy.
• After the completed, signed form has been turned in at the VCC, please allow three business days turn-around time for vetting.
• Before arriving on base, registrants should insure to retain a copy of the signed access request form for their records. Copies will not be provided at the VCC.
• Once approved, a member of the VCC staff will notify the registrant. The registrant will then return to the VCC to have his or her photo taken and be fingerprinted. The AIE pass will be issued at this time.
• Registrants will also be notified if they fail the background check.

4. There are two types of AIE passes that may be issued:

• A “sponsored” AIE pass is good for one year. This requires the registrant to be sponsored by someone who has a DoD ID card.
• A “non-sponsored” AIE pass is good for 60 days. Anyone holding a “non-sponsored” AIE pass is subject to search.
• Once an AIE pass has expired, the pass holder will be required to re-register by filling out and submitting a new JBM-HH access request form and repeating the vetting process.

5. After a bicyclist receives an AIE pass, he or she will be allowed access through any of the three JBM-HH gates on the Fort Myer and Henderson Hall portions of the base:

• Hatfield Gate at Washington Boulevard and South 2nd Street
• Wright Gate at Marshall Drive and North Meade Street
• Henderson Hall Gate 1 at Southgate Road and South Orme Street

6. All bicyclists are required to follow the JBM-HH rules of the road:

• Wear an approved helmet that meets or exceeds American National Standards Institute or Snell Memorial Foundation Standards for bicycle helmets.
• Obey all traffic signals, signs and devices except when dismounted, at which time the rules pertaining to pedestrians will apply.
• Ride single file when vehicle traffic is present. Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast.
• Ensure the bicycle is equipped with a front clear reflector and red rear reflector if in operation from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise. Bicyclists will wear a reflective upper outer garment during hours of reduced visibility.
• Do not wear or use headphones, earphones or cell phones while riding a bicycle.

7. After April 16, any bicyclist who wants to traverse the base and is not vetted will be directed to Hatfield Gate to begin the vetting process.

8. The vetting, access request and pass renewal processes will be the same for pedestrians who wish to access Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

9. All bicyclists and pedestrians will still be required to carry a valid, photo ID along with their AIE pass and may be asked to present the valid ID at any time.

Enjoy how this information (which I got from the Community Relations Manager today), directly contradicts the AIE FAQ passed out to Keith W today. *sigh*

[dbb]

I just sent them an email asking about identification credentials issued by other Federal agencies that were compliant with the Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD 12), aka a CAC.

Will post their response if/when I get it.

[DismalScientist]

I went through today with my unimportant agency federal ID without problems.

[Henry]

FYI, here is the latest Media Advisory from JBM-HH (which does not appear to differ from earlier posts). Posting in its entirety in case I missed something:

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

Media Advisory
Public Affairs Office
204 Lee Avenue
Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE #001
Date: February 27, 2015

Contact: Leah Rubalcaba, JBM-HH Public Affairs (703) 696-3283

JBM-HH enhanced access control – Requirements for bicyclists and pedestrians

On Feb. 16, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH) began implementation of the first phase of Secretary of the Army-directed access control measures to be phased in over the coming months.
New requirements are for individuals who do not have a Department of Defense (DoD)-issued ID. These individuals will be directed to one of the two designated visitor gates for the joint base: Hatfield Gate at Washington Boulevard and South 2nd Street in Arlington, Va., on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base; and Second Street Gate at 2nd Street, south of P Street, in Washington, D.C., on the Fort McNair side.
Visitors will be subject to in-lane vetting (search lane inspection and criminal background vetting). The vetting will include a National Crime Information Center (NCIC-III) criminal history check prior to being granted access to the base. This applies to anyone wanting to get on the installation, whether travelling in a vehicle, by bicycle or on foot.
Individuals with DoD-issued IDs will be allowed access through any of the joint base’s gates during published hours of operation.
To avoid long lines and backups at the gates, visitors not affiliated with the DoD, have the opportunity to register and be vetted for an Automated Installation Entry (AIE) pass.
To register for an AIE Pass, a JBM-HH access request form must be filled out and dropped off in person at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) at Fort Myer’s MP Station, Bldg. 415, between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Beginning Saturday, March 14, the VCC will open with minimum staffing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturdays and Sundays. Beginning March 16, the VCC will continue to open Monday through Friday beginning at 8 a.m., but its hours will be extended until 7 p.m., with minimum staffing from 3:30 to 7 p.m.
The access request form may be found online at the “JBM-HH enhanced access control – frequently asked questions” section of our website at: http://www.army.mil/article/142719/JBM_HH_enhanced_access_control___frequently_asked_questions/
Currently, the joint base is unable to accept pass applications online, as once reported, due to the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) the application necessarily contains. Online pass request registration will be allowed at a time when a registrant’s privacy can be insured.
Once a completed, signed form is turned in at the VCC, the joint base requires three business days turn-around time for vetting. Registrants are asked to make a copy of their signed access request form for their records before arriving on base, as copies will not be provided at the VCC. Once approved, a member of the VCC staff will notify the registrant, who will then return to the VCC to have his or her photo taken and be fingerprinted. The AIE pass is issued at this time. Registrants will also be notified if they fail the background check.
There are two types of AIE passes that may be issued: 1) A “sponsored” AIE pass is good for one year. This requires the registrant to be sponsored by someone who has a DoD ID card; 2) A “non-sponsored” AIE pass is good for 60 days. Anyone holding a “non-sponsored” AIE pass is subject to search. Once an AIE pass has expired, the pass holder will be required to re-register by filling out and submitting a new JBM-HH access request form and repeating the vetting process.
For clarification, a DoD ID is one issued by the Department of Defense – the U.S. Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force – to its active duty personnel and their immediate family members; to Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force retirees and their immediate family members; and to its civilian personnel. This also includes personnel working for the Secretary of Defense. Please know that other federal agencies, such as the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, and DoD contractors are not authorized to sponsor someone for an AIE pass.

Requirements for bicyclists and pedestrians

From now through April 16, bicyclists (who are not DoD ID card holders and who traverse the Fort Myer and Henderson Hall portions of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall) will have the opportunity to be vetted and receive an AIE pass following the registration guidelines noted above.
In the interim, up through April 16, bicyclists will be allowed access to traverse the base through any of its three operational gates during normal hours of operation:
• Hatfield Gate (Washington Blvd. at 2nd Street Bridge) open 24/7
• Wright Gate (Marshall Drive at North Meade Street) open 5 a.m.–11 p.m.
• Henderson Hall Gate 1 (Southgate Road at South Orme Street) open 5 a.m.–11 p.m.
During this time, bicyclists will be required to show a valid, photo ID and follow the joint base’s rules for riding a bicycle on base:
• Wear an approved helmet that meets or exceeds American National Standards Institute or Snell Memorial Foundation Standards for bicycle helmets.
• Obey all traffic signals, signs and devices except when dismounted, at which time the rules pertaining to pedestrians will apply.
• Ride single file when vehicle traffic is present. Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast.
• Ensure the bicycle is equipped with a front clear reflector and red rear reflector if in operation from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise. Bicyclists will wear a reflective upper outer garment during hours of reduced visibility.
• Do not wear or use headphones, earphones or cell phones while riding a bicycle.
After a bicyclist receives an AIE pass, he or she will be allowed access through any of the three JBM-HH gates on the Fort Myer and Henderson Hall portions of the base.
After April 16, any bicyclist who wants to traverse the base and is not vetted will be directed to Hatfield Gate to begin the vetting process.
The vetting, access request and pass renewal processes will be the same for pedestrians who wish to access any of portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, to include Fort Myer, Henderson Hall and Fort McNair.
All bicyclists and pedestrians will still be required to carry a valid, photo ID along with their AIE pass and may be asked to present the valid ID at any time.
Registrants may email questions to usarmy.jbmhh.asa.mbx.des-access-q-a@mail.mil. Please allow up to three business days for an email response.

###

[trailrunner]

I work on Fort Belvoir, and they have been transitioning to the AIE over the last month or so. What is ironic about much of this discussion is that AIE readers don’t work with cyclists, at least not the AIE readers on Fort Belvoir. When a car drives up to the gate, the driver is supposed to put the ID card on a reader located near the driver’s window. Before it reads the ID card, there is also a sensor that detects the presence of the car. So far, my bike does not have enough mass or metal or whatever to trigger this sensor, so the AIE reader reports an error and won’t read my ID, and I have to do it the old-fashioned way: by handing my ID card to the guard. So far they haven’t used the hand scanner to scan my ID card.

A minor thing to note about some of the policy that people have posted here: one of the required things for cyclists is a “reflective upper outer garment.” That is usually interpreted by MPs as a reflective vest. This used to be the policy at Fort Belvoir for a long time, but they only enforced it for motorcyclists. When that policy was in effect, I was a little concerned that some bored MP would cite me for not having a neon yellow vest. In the DoD way of doing things, I could be lit up like a Christmas tree with several blinky lights front and rear and have reflective tape all over my frame and spokes, but if I didn’t have that silly vest, I would be in violation of policy.

[AFHokie]

@trailrunner 109708 wrote:

In the DoD way of doing things, I could be lit up like a Christmas tree with several blinky lights front and rear and have reflective tape all over my frame and spokes, but if I didn’t have that silly vest, I would be in violation of policy.

While deployed a guy I worked with wrapped a reflective belt around his bike frame for additional visibility. It worked well, but he once had a 1st sergeant (if you’re not familiar with the term, think militantly strict den mother) stop him because the reflective belt was covering…wait for it…the reflector.

[Starduster]

Henry, thank you for posting the advisory. Helpful not only for JBM-HH access, but also for Ft. McNair access, where I ferry my wife to/from her job (making it work as a one car family, folks).

Now that Ft. Myer access is tightening, we need to deal with alternatives. For those of us in South Arlington, specifically the Columbia Pike corridor, there are two “long ways around” to DC, either the Rt 50 path around the north side of Ft. Myer, or the Four Mile Run Trail with a trip through Pentagon City/Crystal City and/or the MVT airport section (which I really don’t like). Columbia Pike is the most direct, but as Dasgeh pointed out, it is not remotely safe. The two Bike Boulevards are good only are far as S 9th and S 12th exist. East of Courthouse? Big problem. Once upon a time, I could slam into the big ring and fly downhill keeping up with traffic. Two “Guardian Angel- workin’ hard for you” moments (nearly wiping out on bad pavement, in heavy traffic) cured me of that. Even when the Washington Blvd. bridge is completed, and pavement is fixed, it will still be problematic, even for the bravest. We’re going to need to do something about that.

[PotomacCyclist]

There are long-term plans to add wide bike paths on both sides of Columbia Pike on the eastern section (former Navy Annex site). But at this point, I don’t know if we’ll see that before 2020, if ever. Arlington had been negotiating a land swap with DOD/Arlington Cemetery as well. Arlington would transfer Southgate Rd. (to be used for Cemetery expansion) while Arlington would receive unspecified areas around Columbia Pike.

Arlington had also planned to reroute Columbia Pike on a straighter path toward Pentagon City, but that was to accommodate the (now canceled) streetcar project. I haven’t heard updates on any of this in a while, the land swap or the Columbia Pike rerouting. I’m assuming that the Columbia Pike rerouting has been canceled as well. But maybe it’s still in the plans, because it could give the Cemetery even more contiguous space for expansion, while giving Arlington more land south of Columbia Pike for a museum (re the old Freedman’s Village).

The Navy Annex has been demolished and cleared, so I don’t know why someone can’t put down a temporary or permanent trail there this year. According to the Navy Annex project site, all clean-up work is done and the land has been turned over to Arlington National Cemetery (from the Dept. of the Army). ARL will have to reach an agreement on a land swap. If the larger land deal continues to be delayed, why not reach a smaller deal on a Columbia Pike trail?

The current sidewalk is sub-par, but it’s usable for slower-speed travel. However, there isn’t really room to pass oncoming bike or pedestrian traffic unless you slow down to walking speed.

[Author]

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