After many months of public debate and behind the scenes interaction, the Eisenhower Memorial Commission (EMC) announced yesterday that it is asking the National Park Service to delay its application to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), originally scheduled for April 5. Another date for consideration of Frank Gehry’s design has not been set. The Eisenhower family called for such a delay at the end of 2011 – but we welcome this belated recognition that the EMC’s proposal is not ready for review.
In another development, the U.S. House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands is holding a hearing on “The Proposed Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial” on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 10:00 am in Room 1324 of the Longworth House Office Building. I will be testifying on behalf of the Eisenhower family. We are delighted that the relevant committees in the House are focusing their attention on this issue. Congressmen Frank Wolf, Darrell Issa, Dan Lungren and Aaron Schock have all publicly sent letters to the NCPC. Numerous members of the Senate have offered their support, and this issue has also been brought to the attention of key DC government officials. We are grateful to these elected officials for their attention and leadership. On a personal note, we have also been deeply gratified by the public response that has brought us to this point.
While some people have voiced displeasure that a hearing is now underway, this should not be feared by anyone who cares about the Eisenhower Memorial. Testimony and hearings are a vital step in securing public confidence in the process and allowing individuals of differing views to get their comments on the record.
My testimony will be posted on this site on Tuesday, March 20th.