Lafayette Park could get first permanent fence since 1800s
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Lafayette Park could soon be closed off by a large fence, if the Secret Service gets its way.
Why it matters: The park has long been a site for gatherings and protesters, and the project is receiving pushback from those who think it would limit Americans' ability to visit and voice their opinions at the president's door.
- This would also mark the first time the square has been enclosed by a permanent fence since the late 1800s.
Driving the news: The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) — the group with several President Trump appointees that greenlit projects like the White House ballroom — advanced the Secret Service's preliminary plans for the park at a meeting Thursday.
- A final vote on the project hasn't been scheduled yet.
State of play: The proposed designs include an 8-to-10-foot-tall black metal fence surrounding the entirety of Lafayette Park's eight acres, per documents submitted to the NCPC.
- The park would remain open to the public under normal conditions, but would have gates that can close portions or all of the park "during times of heightened security."
- Some versions of the proposals show a design that encloses the park's statues, while others don't.
- All the proposed designs include space maintained for First Amendment demonstrations outside the fencing.
The White House didn't respond when NPR asked who would pay for the project or how much it would cost.
Context: The park was closed for renovations earlier this year, and it remains closed off behind temporary fencing even though work has finished.
- Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced a bill in July to ban the proposed permanent fencing.
Zoom out: The NCPC also advanced plans during the meeting for a partially underground security screening center at the White House, which hasn't seen as much blowback.
- The plans come as concerns for Trump's safety are high following several assassination attempts and after the Secret Service fatally shot a man who opened fire near a White House security checkpoint this spring.
What we're watching: If approved, "phased implementation" of the project would begin next year, according to the documents submitted to the NCPC.