This artist’s rendering shows the proposed entrance to the zoo off Connecticut Avenue. (Courtesy of the National Capital Planning Commission)

The National Capital Planning Commission has postponed its decision on the Smithsonian Institution’s request for increased security measures at the National Zoological Park.

At its meeting Thursday, the NCPC requested that the Smithsonian provide a run-down of security risks and conduct public outreach on the security plans, according to the Washington Post. The Commission will take up the request again in September.

The Smithsonian’s request for more security at the zoo has drawn widespread criticism from residents who say that free, unrestricted access to the park is a fundamental part of its character and mission.

This is depressing. It’s called the National Zoological *Park.* It was designed as a public landscape, integrated with Rock Creek Park. Security theater is just relentless in DC. https://t.co/n7DffYDGev

— Amanda Kolson Hurley (@amandakhurley) July 5, 2018

The first phase of the security project, which was placed before NCPC Thursday, proposed adding new fencing to the perimeter of the zoo, with some areas being particularly strong and tall to prevent vehicular attacks. It would also have reduced the number of pedestrian entrances from 13 to three.

The second phase, which has not yet come under NCPC review, would build security checkpoints at entrances and a new multi-story parking garage with over 1,000 spaces.