Demolished wall in Manassas serves as symbol, property co-owner states

The 9500 Liberty Street wall in Manassas may have been torn down Thursday. But property co-owner Gaudencio Fernandez said it will always serve as a symbol of the struggle against racism and intolerance.

"[The wall] successfully denounced the persecution and racist policies against the Latino community," said Fernandez Friday among a small group of supporters gathered on the property.

The building and zoning citations brought by city officials against Fernandez and co-owner Delia Alvarez over the structure will be dropped as long as they clean up the property by Tuesday, said city attorney Kristi Caturano. Fernandez, Alvarez and their attorney Mark Voss agreed to the terms this week before appearing in General District Court in Manassas on Friday to expedite the matter.

This summer, city officials took the owners to court in hopes a judge would force them to tear down the wall, which has been standing for almost a year. The owners were initially issued a citation because they failed to apply for a permit to reinforce the remaining wall of a house that burned in 2006.

The owners demolished most of the house after the fire, but left one wall standing to hold a sign criticizing Prince William County's resolution targeting illegal immigrants and the city's participation in the Immigra-tion & Customs Enforcement 287(g) program.

The owners later reinforced the structure so it could support a more permanent political sign.

City officials contend that the zoning citation resulted from excessive litter and trash on the premises, which is against city code. The owners used the property for several social and religious functions last fall.

Also on Friday, Fernandez reiterated his plans to apply for a special use permit for a 200-foot-long by 14-foot-high new sign to be placed on the same property. Fernandez said he hopes that the new wall will showcase the Latino community and its "contributions to this great country."

After Fernandez's speech, Mexicanos Sin Fronteras spokesperson Ricardo Juarez praised the owners for their decision to build the wall. He also announced that his organization will support the Liberty Street wall cause.

A recently-launched Web site, www.libertywall.blogspot.com, intends to continue "the debate on what is right, what is fair and what is justice," Juarez said.

"They [property owners] put themselves at their own risk for the benefit of the community and [the Liberty Wall] will be a symbol forever," Juarez said.

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