National Park Service staff are concerned about the “adverse” impact of President Donald Trump’s proposed triumphal arch on more than three dozen nearby historic sites in Washington, D.C., according to an assessment reported by the New York Times.The government document features a list of 37 sites. Chief among them are the Arlington National Cemetery, Washington National Cathedral, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.The concern is that the 250-foot-tall arch would block the views of these sites. If built, the structure would be one of the tallest in the nation’s capital. The city has height limits for different buildings.
Under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, federal agencies are charged with reviewing “adverse effects” on historic sites. An adverse effect occurs when a federal project alters any of the characteristics of a historic property. The most obvious example would be physical damage or destruction, but more subtle ways include the introduction of incompatible visual, atmospheric, or audible elements that intrude on the property’s historical integrity.NPS asked outside groups to comment by this past Thursday on its list of historic sites affected by the triumphal arch.The assessment is the next step in the review process for Trump’s arch. The National Capital Planning Commission still has to give its final approval, which could happen as soon as the panel’s next meeting on Sept. 3. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were all appointed by Trump, previously approved the arch designs.Historic preservationists and military veterans are challenging the Trump administration’s plan to build the arch, particularly over worries that it will be located too close to the Arlington National Cemetery, where private funerals are often held. Congressional Democrats are also seeking to block the project, arguing it needs congressional approval.Meanwhile, Trump wants his administration to erect the arch to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. The neoclassical design has drawn comparisons to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and has fueled critics’ complaints that the arch is a manifestation of the president’s vanity.TRUMP ARCH COULD TAKE UP TO THREE YEARS AND 20 HOURS OF CONSTRUCTION PER DAYIn a statement provided to the Washington Examiner, a spokesperson for the Interior Department said the arch will “enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, the families of the fallen, and all Americans alike, serving as a visual reminder of the noble sacrifices borne by so many American heroes throughout our 250-year history so we can enjoy our freedoms today.”“Great nations build beautiful structures and works of art that cultivate national pride and love of country,” the spokesperson added. “In this tradition, Secretary Burgum is thrilled to champion the United States Triumphal Arch which will be a project that all Americans can be proud of. In America’s 250th year, President Trump wants to fulfill this vision and build the Triumphal Arch to celebrate the triumphs of the American people, inspires patriotism and love of country, and beautify our nation’s capital.”
