Pennsylvania Ave. Closing a Boon to Branches

WASHINGTON - Two banks have gained six coveted parking spaces thanks to the Secret Service's decision to close the segment of Pennsylvania Avenue that runs in front of the White House.

NationsBank and Riggs National Bank persuaded the Secret Service to change the barricades so customers could park in front of their side-by- side branches.

Previously, patrons had no nearby place to park during business hours, although a few metered spaces were available in the evening and on weekends.

Customers appear to appreciate the new spaces.

On a recent afternoon, five of the six spaces were filled. All but one of the cars appeared to belong to bank customers. Tourists returning from a quick peek at the White House occupied the other one.

"Back in the days before the barricades you couldn't park," Riggs customer Anthony Fields said as he climbed into his blue Toyota. "Now you can always get a parking space."

The Secret Service closed Pennsylvania Avenue from 15th Street to 17th Street on May 22, shortly after the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Law enforcement officials said at the time that closing the street was the only way to ensure the President's safety.

Unfortunately, the closing also cut off the Riggs and NationsBank branches, whose historic location is memorialized on the back of the $10 bill.

While Riggs spokesman Tige Savage declined to comment, NationsBank spokeswoman Lisa Lester said the two banks approached the Secret Service shortly after the closing of the avenue to see if they could accommodate limited parking in front of the branches.

Secret Service spokesman Eric Harnischfeger declined to discuss the bank's case specifically. But he said the agency is working with all local merchants.

"We are sensitive to their needs and whenever possible when security needs permit, we will try to lessen the impact of the closing," he said.

In this case, the Secret Service moved the barricades back to give customers room to park and to make a U-turn to return to traffic. They also installed several signs warning that the spaces are reserved for bank customers.

Ms. Lester said the banks did not have to pay for the work.

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