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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHere's how to stop construction of the grand ballroom
To all:
The National Capital Planning Commission has scheduled its final vote on approving President Trumps grand ballroom project for April 2, having delayed it from March 5 because of the tremendous public comment it has received. The commission is stacked with Trump cronies. The New York Times published a two-page spread in its paper edition today detailing the architectural details of the project and the commissions rescheduled vote. I have written the following letter and mailed it by regular mail to the commission; I will also, on the opening of the comment period at noon on Mar. 16, send it through the online portal (the NCPCs preferred method, although I think flooding the mails will be more impressive). Please take a moment to write your own letter and likewise submit it. Turning aside this ill-considered project depends on a mass outpouring of condemnation. Thanks for your consideration. Here are the commissions address and phone number: National Capital Planning Commission, 401 9th St. NW, #500N, Washington, DC 20004. Ph. (202)482-7200.
Written comments can also be submitted through the online portal, beginning at 12 p.m. on March 16th. Instructions are here: https://www.ncpc.gov/participate/guidelines/#:~:text=The%20NCPC%20welcomes%20public%20comment%20on%20items,meetings%20Meetings%20are%20live%2Dstreamed%2C%20videotaped%2C%20and%20transcribed.
Here is what I wrote, for better or worse:
To the National Capital Planning Commission:
This unsightly project is just another example of President Trump forcing his will on the American people for something they do not want. The American people liked the White House the way it was, before Trump moved in with bulldozers in the dead of nightillegally, without following rules or the normal required procedures, the way he does everything. The American people were aghast at the destruction of their sacred seat of government. They do not want this monstrosity, this outsized gaudy edifice to Trumps towering ego. They view it with revulsion. Please in your ruling side with the sentiments of the American peoplewho overwhelmingly have expressed their condemnation of a project that, from the beginning, has flouted constitutional legality. Of the 32,000 comments that you have received from the public on this project, 98 percent have been negative. Only 1 percent have been positive (NY Times, March 7, p. A12). You have the power to bring a halt to this travesty. Do not neglect your duty to do so out of a desire to please the boss. History is watching.
CousinIT
(12,464 posts)Appreciate the info!
lastlib
(28,038 posts)I'll send my comments on tRump's abomination this week. All Americans should do likewise!
Biophilic
(6,496 posts)sop
(18,331 posts)"Anticipatory demolition" is when a developer quickly tears down a historically significant structure before preservationists or local authorities can intervene or secure an injunction. Developers like Trump know it's almost impossible to rebuild a historically significant building after it's been torn down.
Trump demolished the entire East Wing of the White House without proper public review or the necessary approvals from federal agencies like the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). Trump claimed he didn't need a demolition permit, only a construction permit for his ballroom, which would be approved later.
Easterncedar
(6,069 posts)I feel sick every time I think about the destruction and desecration of the White House.
City Lights
(25,675 posts)quazimojo
(10 posts)Thank you for the information! I will be sending a letter.
ancianita
(43,256 posts)bsiebs
(953 posts)Thanks Orange Buffoon for the information!
Ol Janx Spirit
(977 posts)Yeah, THAT executive branch. The one Emperor Tangerine controls. And the one that the SCOTUS has basically cleared the way for whatever actions he wants to take within it.
I've written to the Commission too, but my expectation is that the White House will either outright ignore any determination by the Commission since he also controls the only enforcement mechanisms, or he will simply dissolve the board or pack it with sycophants.
There is far too much power aggregated in the executive branch....
mdbl
(8,532 posts)thesquanderer
(12,971 posts)