The National Capital Planning Commission is set to review proposed changes to the area around the White House, including a fence around Lafayette Park and a new underground security screening center for visitors. The commission, which has previously approved other significant plans for the capital, will consider the proposals on Thursday.
These proposals come amid heightened security concerns for the president. Recent assassination attempts and an incident in May where a man opened fire near a White House security checkpoint have underscored the need for enhanced security measures. The administration argues these projects would replace temporary structures, such as barricades made of bicycle racks, with more permanent and effective solutions.
The proposed fence for Lafayette Square would mark a significant permanent alteration to the appearance and access of the area directly in front of the White House. Permanent fencing has not been a feature of the square since the late 1800s. The administration's proposal includes fencing around the entire 8-acre park with larger gates at the north and south entrances. Options for the design include whether to incorporate the monuments located at the park's four corners.
In addition to the fencing, the commission will also review plans for the White House Visitor Screening Facility. This proposed permanent facility is intended to replace temporary tents currently used for security checks, aiming to improve security and the visitor experience. The administration hopes to have this facility operational by July 2028. Initial designs placed the facility underground near the southern end of Sherman Park, but consultations led to its relocation to the western edge of the park, away from utility infrastructure.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, comprised of Trump appointees, has already approved the visitor screening center plans and reviewed the fencing proposal, taking no action at its July meeting. The planning commission, while not as dominated by presidential appointees, does have a Republican tilt. Its 12 members include presidential appointees and several high-ranking officials, including the Secretaries of Defense and the Interior, the General Services Administrator, and two Republican members of Congress. Mark Paoletta, the new chairman, will preside over his first meeting.