WASHINGTON (AP) -- Designers working on the Martin Luther King
Jr. Memorial have passed one of the final hurdles before they can
begin construction.

The National Capital Planning Commission approved the final site
building plans for the memorial Thursday. But the panel rejected
plans for security bollards and a donor recognition wall at the
site.

Executive Architect Ed Jackson says it's a milestone for the
project, which has been in the works for a long time.

Peter May, a National Park Service official, argued for security
enhancements at the site in response to threats from extremist
groups. Other commissioners said security barriers would contradict
King's ideals of openness and inclusiveness.

The memorial must still gain the approval of the U.S. Commission
of Fine Arts later this month.