City may take action against Liberty Street wall owners

The drama surrounding the 9500 Liberty Street wall is intensifying by the day.

The city of Manassas sent a letter dated May 15 to co-owners Delia Alvarez and Gaudencio Fernandez that directed them to obtain a demolition permit for their now infamous political sign in 10 days or the city would pursue legal action. Fernandez confirmed Friday that he received the letter from the city and said he doesn’t know when he will be able to apply for the permit.

“I am working to pay my bills, maybe sometime in June,” Fernandez said.

According to building official Brian Smith, Fernandez obtained a six-month demolition permit on April 12, 2007, which has since expired. Fernandez started the work in September but left standing the wall with political messages criticizing Prince William County’s resolution targeting illegal immigrants.

On Nov. 6, the city issued a building violation after Fernandez re-enforced the structure without obtaining a permit. The May 15 letter states that Fernandez let his appeal period expire without addressing the violation.

The letter also states that a new demolition permit must be obtained in order to submit an application for a new structure. On Jan. 2, Fernandez applied for a building permit for a new 200-foot L-shaped wall but was denied the application because it was interpreted as a permanent structure that would require a Special Use Permit for a semi-public use from the City Council, said Community Development Director Elizabeth Via.

On top of the building code violation, the May 15 letter references a zoning ordinance violation for trash and debris. The notice was sent in late November and received by Fernandez, according to the letter.
A re-inspection was done in December and found the property still in violation.

The letter goes on to say that the “remaining trash, building material and debris generate a health concern for the residents in the area, as they provide a habitat for undesirable wildlife, such as rats, bees and snakes. This is a serious public health and safety concern with the summer months approaching and the violation can no longer linger.”

The city plans on doing a re-inspection of the property after the 10-day window has expired, according to the letter.

While city manager Lawrence Hughes said Thursday that the city’s goal is still compliance not prosecution, the letter states that inaction by the property owner on these issues “will leave the city with no alternative but to pursue legal action in a court of competent jurisdiction.”

Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-369-5738.