Park Service Says Trump’s 250-Foot Arch Would Harm Views at Dozens of Historic Sites
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 3
Park Service Says Trump’s 250-Foot Arch Would Harm Views at Dozens of Historic Sites
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 3
Summary
National Park Service staff found Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch would alter Washington’s skyline enough to intrude on views from dozens of historic places across the capital.
The assessment says the arch would disrupt the symbolic link between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, obstruct sightlines from the Kennedy Gravesite and Robert E. Lee’s home, and change views from the National Cathedral 4 miles away.
That finding is a key step before the National Capital Planning Commission can grant final approval, with a decision possible as soon as its Sept. 3 meeting.
Park Service officials must seek ways to reduce the project’s adverse effects under the National Historic Preservation Act, but the arch is expected to advance largely unchanged because Trump has shown no interest in shrinking or relocating it.
The updated list of affected sites has been sent to outside groups for comment by Thursday, underscoring how the arch’s unusual height and prominent location could reshape defining views across Washington.