Neighbors sign off on Gray's problematic fence

Council Chairman Vincent Gray got some good news Thursday night when his neighbors gave their seal of approval to his controversial fence.

The black aluminum fence that surrounds Gray's home in the Hillcrest neighborhood in Southeast Washington goes before the city's Public Space Committee for a vote next Thursday. Before then, Gray's local ANC 7B was given an opportunity to weigh in.

Phillip Hammond, a commissioner, said five members voted not to oppose the fence, while two voted present.

Gray put the fence up two years ago without a permit on space governed by the city's public right-of-way rules. A series of stories in The Washington Times prompted the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs to seek proper permitting from Gray.

Gray, who is running for mayor, said he thought his contractor would take care of the necessary paperwork. The permitting process has since dragged on for five months and has become part of the debate in the mayor's race.

-- Ann E. Marimow