Vietnam Memorial Hits Snag

Despite having raised $140,000, a private committee hoping to build a Vietnam War memorial in Westminster was told at Tuesday’s City Council meeting that it must take yet another step before the city’s final approval. The committee, led by Mayor Frank Fry Jr., was told it must have a consultant determine whether an environmental impact report is needed.

The request by City Council members for a possible impact report requirement came after an estimated 200 memorial supporters showed up at the meeting. Backers had hoped to move the project forward with a site selection by the council, said Joey Nguyen, a memorial committee member.

Committee members and many Southern California Vietnamese are eagerly waiting for the construction of a memorial to honor the 500,000 Vietnamese and 58,000 American soldiers who died in the war. The memorial, designed by artist Tuan Nguyen, will feature 10-foot figures of American and South Vietnamese soldiers on a 5-foot platform.

Planning Director Brian Fisk said that normally an environmental impact report is not needed for a statue; however, one council member cited possible traffic from visitors as a concern.

Fry, a World War II veteran who envisioned the project, said he is disappointed in some of the council members’ outlook on project approval. The original cost of the memorial was set at $500,000.

“There’s a lot of unnecessary stuff being asked of [the committee],” Fry said. “They seem to be taking a ‘wait until $500,000 is raised, then we’ll talk attitude.’ ”

Joey Nguyen said that with an additional private loan of $160,000 recently granted, enough money is available to build the statue and pay for land use. Additional money raised would be for a kiosk to house a computer display of soldier information and Vietnam War history.

Nguyen is pleased that the project is moving forward although not at the pace he would like. He is ready to approach other cities for a site if needed, he said, adding that they would be pleased to get the added tourism the memorial would attract.

The committee is targeting a “symbolic” groundbreaking April 30. Members said such a ceremony would give the fund drive more momentum.

Alex Murashko can be reached at (714) 966-5974.