The approval included an amendment postponing a final decision on whether the monument’s height complies with the federal Height of Buildings Act.
WASHINGTON — The National Capital Planning Commission voted Thursday to approve preliminary site and building plans for the proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch near Arlington National Cemetery, advancing the controversial project despite hours of public opposition.
Commissioners approved the plans with eight yes votes, one no vote, and three abstentions. The approval included an amendment postponing a final decision on whether the monument’s height complies with the federal Height of Buildings Act.
The project now moves forward, but the height issue will be revisited at a future commission meeting.
Dozens of people testified during the public hearing, with the overwhelming majority opposing the proposal. Critics described the arch as rushed, dangerous and a vanity project for President Donald Trump. Several veterans and local residents argued the monument would diminish the significance of nearby Arlington National Cemetery.
“The arch would be a slap in the face for our veterans,” one speaker told commissioners.
Supporters, however, said the monument would inspire patriotism and celebrate the nation’s history.
One of the central issues before the commission was whether the proposed structure complies with the Height of Buildings Act of 1910, which generally limits building heights in Washington.
The Department of the Interior, the federal agency overseeing the project, argues the law does not apply to federal structures. Planning commission staff disagreed, concluding that the law applies only to occupiable building space, not to statues or decorative architectural elements.
To address those concerns, commission staff recommended reducing the occupiable portion of the arch to approximately 130 feet, adding a 20-foot observation level and increasing the height of the statue atop the monument to roughly 100 feet. The changes would keep the overall height at 250 feet while reducing the impact on protected view corridors.
Staff also emphasized the importance of preserving the visual connection between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
Opponents also raised concerns about aviation safety because of the monument’s proximity to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, arguing that preliminary federal aviation findings should not be considered the final word on the project’s impacts.
Commissioners also questioned project officials about parking, accessibility and the approximately 10-minute walk visitors would face from the proposed parking area to the monument.
Before the project can receive final approval, commission staff are recommending that the Department of the Interior provide additional information on traffic patterns, pedestrian circulation and other design details.
In response to the vote, the National Trust for Historic Preservation released a statement saying
“It’s disappointing that the NCPC approved the preliminary site and building plans for the Monumental Arch today, and we remain strongly opposed to its scale and location. The design is inappropriate and overwhelming, particularly given its damaging impact on the solemn character of Arlington National Cemetery.
While disappointed with the outcome, we were heartened by the overwhelming public opposition to the project, including powerful testimony by veterans and their family members, preservationists, architectural historians, and everyday citizens.
We urge the NCPC to remain true to its mission and follow the legally required processes including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Height of Buildings Act, as well as the Commemorative Works Act, which requires Congressional authorization.”