Virginia and D.C. sue to challenge Trump memorial arch
State officials filed federal lawsuits against the administration on Saturday, arguing that construction could start within days despite ongoing legal disputes.
By Alina Carter ·
Residents in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia face new legal battles over the construction of President Donald Trump’s proposed memorial arch. The District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia filed lawsuits in federal court on Saturday. The administration has stated that construction on the project could begin as early as next week.
The lawsuits join a growing list of legal challenges aimed at stopping or delaying the arch. Virginia Attorney General and the D.C. Attorney General are the parties bringing the suit. The administration’s timeline suggests that ground may be broken before the courts issue a ruling on the merits of the cases. The proposed memorial is intended to honor President Trump.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is separately urging higher education institutions to act. She sent a letter to all colleges and universities in the state on Friday. The letter asks them to review and update their sexual violence policies. This move follows national attention on gang rape allegations at Cornell University. The letter includes specific instructions on how institutions should conduct these reviews.
In Fairfax County, local residents are pushing back on proposed zoning changes. Dozens of residents attended a Planning Commission meeting to oppose rules for accessory living units. A key concern is a provision allowing homeowners to rent out a property without living in it. Residents argued that this change could harm the character of stable neighborhoods. The commission is currently weighing these public comments.
Business activity near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station continued with a major financial transaction. Comstock Holding Companies completed a refinancing deal worth $299.1 million. The funds replace an existing loan on three fully leased office towers at Reston Station. The developer is preparing for the next phase of mixed-use development in the area.
State natural resources are under pressure according to a new nationwide report. The report on permanent deforestation shows that Virginia was one of 11 states responsible for 70% of all forest loss from 1990 to 2017. Christopher Williams, the lead author of the report, said that new pressures from agriculture and development are accelerating the rate of deforestation in the state.
Local law enforcement in Annandale is seeking public assistance in a unique theft case. On October 23 at 10:20 a.m., a victim withdrew $2,400 from a bank on Backlick Road. While the victim was inside a nearby gas station, a suspect entered the vehicle and stole the cash. Police are calling the incident bank jugging and are looking for witnesses to the event in the Franconia District.
