National Capital Planning Commission Approves White House Fence Upgrade
The National Capital Planning Commission voice vote for design changes of the White House fence finally came out on the afternoon of Feb 2. This is, in fact, being realized to strengthen security measures.
It has been awhile since the Presidential Security Group recommended to provide an improved, strong and secured fence for the most visited house in the world. The White House fence that is being planned is designed by Senior Urban Designer Matt Fliss with both the National Park Service and the US Secret Service. The group intends to elevate the fence five feet taller.
The renowned designer said in an interview with Washington Top News, "The overall height will be 13 feet, 1 inch including the stone base. The fence is 10 feet, 7 inches, and anti-climbing measures at the top complete the design." Fliss added, "The staff saw that as one way to preserve the transparency between the public space and the White House grounds."
In 2014, a man with a knife was able to jump over the White House fence and got to the second floor of the main building. The alarm of the fence got muted allowing him to reach that far infiltrating the main building. The man was apprehended appeared to be Omar Gonzales, who was reported by the arresting officer to be mentally-ill, in a report by the Washington Post. Since then, the US Secret Service has extended their guard perimeters by adding personnel outside the White House.
In details published in White House History, during the time of President Thomas Jefferson, the White House fence was first instituted in 1801. It was then a mere post and a rail fence. This was not for protection purposes, but rather an envision to have a White House gardens. By 1819, was the time that an eight stone pier was added that helped built an iron fence and gate. In 2015, was the last time that the fence was added with a sharp metal point as anti-climb features.
The pendulum of time never stops swinging and the same goes in improving the [protection of the most secure place in the world. The White House fence is the most visited fences in the world and it should be improved not just for added security but to present a beautiful design.