A federal commission on Thursday gave preliminary approval to President Donald Trump’s plan to build a European-style arch in Washington, DC.
The National Capital Planning Commission voted to approve the preliminary site and plans for the structure near the Memorial Bridge, Fox 5 reported Friday.
The article stated, “Commission staff had recommended preliminary approval requesting changes to ensure that the arch complied with the Building Height Act.” “Suggested adjustments include the redistribution of height between the main structure, the habitable roof that will have an observation deck, and sculptures planned for the top,” the suggestion states.
However, commissioners will continue to debate whether the law is enforceable.
ABC News reported that a final approval vote could take place in September when the commission plans to meet again.
While House Staff Secretary Will Scharf, who is also chairman of the commission, said, “I think it’s important to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. I think the proposed arch is an appropriate commemoration of 250 years.”
In early April, Trump announced that his administration had submitted presentations and plans to the Commission of Fine Arts for what he described as “the greatest and most beautiful triumphal arch anywhere in the world.”
“This will be a wonderful addition for all Americans in the Washington DC area to enjoy for many decades to come!” he adds:
According to Breitbart News, the proposed arch could be taller than the Lincoln Memorial and resemble the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.
Earlier this year, Trump told reporters that he did not know the exact height, but said, “It is absolutely appropriate for the site. We are setting up a committee and the committee will work on it, but it will be high enough. I would like it to be the largest. We are the largest, most powerful nation. I would like it to be the largest.”
News of the initial approval comes as the President has worked to revitalize the nation’s capital and eliminate crime in the area. In doing so, Trump also earned praise from some Democrats, who praised his construction and landscaping efforts that have polished and beautified the area for citizens and visitors.
