Washington (USA), July 11 (LaPresse) – Work crews are once again draining the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial, as the renovation project commissioned by President Trump and plagued by numerous problems continues beyond the deadline originally set for July 4. The president had initially assured that the restoration would last for a century. However, just weeks after the project was expected to be completed last month, the water was overtaken by an algal bloom and pieces of the new lining appeared to be peeling away from the bottom. Trump attributed the damage to vandals, while critics argue that it is the result of poor repair work. Yesterday, former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty in Washington Superior Court to intentionally damaging the Reflecting Pool. Hearn said he reached into the pool to examine the peeling sealant and dropped a piece of it at the direction of a park employee. His lawyers and other critics of the Trump administration described the case as an abuse of judicial power and argue that Hearn has been used as a scapegoat for the poor quality of the Reflecting Pool renovation. At least three other people have been charged in the same court with misdemeanor offenses for allegedly removing pieces of paint from the Reflecting Pool. All three pleaded not guilty.
U.S.: Washington’s Reflecting Pool drained once again
Washington (USA), July 11 (LaPresse) – Work crews are once again draining the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial, as the renovation project commissioned by President Trump and plagued by numerous problems continues beyond the deadline originally set for July 4. The president had initially assured that the restoration would last for a century. However, just weeks after the project was expected to be completed last month, the water was overtaken by an algal bloom and pieces of the new lining appeared to be peeling away from the bottom. Trump attributed the damage to vandals, while critics argue that it is the result of poor repair work. Yesterday, former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty in Washington Superior Court to intentionally damaging the Reflecting Pool. Hearn said he reached into the pool to examine the peeling sealant and dropped a piece of it at the direction of a park employee. His lawyers and other critics of the Trump administration described the case as an abuse of judicial power and argue that Hearn has been used as a scapegoat for the poor quality of the Reflecting Pool renovation. At least three other people have been charged in the same court with misdemeanor offenses for allegedly removing pieces of paint from the Reflecting Pool. All three pleaded not guilty.
