Prince George's County rescinds pending violation, fine for veteran's art sculptures

FORT WASHINGTON, Md. (FOX 5 DC) -- As the old adage goes -- beauty is in the eye old the beholder. In this case, a Maryland veteran is battling with Prince George's County leaders over what he calls art on his property. The county, reportedly calling the army veteran's art "rubbish," is now backtracking.

The sculptures can be seen on this corner at Indian Head Highway and Fort Road in Fort Washington lining the nearly six-acre property -- most include tree stumps and spray painted metal manipulated into different shapes and sizes.

The county initially said the metal sculptures, garbage and building materials must be gone by June 14. Now, after calling and emailing the Department of Permitting, Inspection and Enforcement, initially with no response, FOX 5 learned the county has said the art sculptures can stay.

Prince George's County leaders say the art no longer has to go by June 14, telling FOX 5 a new inspector thought it was in violation, but apparently was mistaken and the colorful lawn sculptures can stay.

Even though, the county admits the artist who lives on the property is a veteran and may not even know about the victory in his favor. The county says the decision to rescind the removal notice was made in the last 24 hours by the Board of Supervisors. The artist and homeowner were notified Tuesday.

However, the veteran and his wife say they have not been notified of the county's decision to rescind the mandate forcing them to remove the art.

There was a pending violation, reportedly with a $1,000 fine attached, that was also rescinded.