As more and more development continues in our historic community, we are in danger in losing our historic homes. Please do not allow for this easement to be breached.
M
Martina Hofmann
7 years ago
my husband, Robert Deitz, and I were taken aback to hear that the perpetual historic preservation easements granted by Justice Black to the Commenwealth of VA and the City of Alexandria to protect his house and property in perpetuity, as deserves such a certified landmark and cherished home of a Supreme Court Justice, is being waived to allow the demolition of historic fabric and the building of additional structures. We cannot find a legitimate reason for this decision. Certainly not regarding the permission to add additional structures despite the open space easement.
Our position and standing with respect to this controversy is not just based on our being long time residents of Alexandria. Our own home of 25 years at 218 S. Lee Street and its open space are also protected by a historic easement. We bought the property subject to a deed of scenic, exterior open space and architectual facade easement granted by the former owners, Mr. & Mrs Moore, to the Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission in 1992. Over the years, we have restored the facade and the iron stairs and landing working with the BAR and the AHRPC to make sure to respect the terms of the easement.
Alexandria is a special City in many respects. It is a priviledge to live in a diverse and well managed Town that also boasts a charming historic center that attracts locals and tourists alike. Change is inevitable, but disrespecting the easement on the Justice Black property for the sole benefit of its new private owners leaves a sour taste. Not only does the Justice Black residence and property merit the protection because of it historic significance, but waiving the terms of the easement on 619 S. Lee Street will set a precedent to undermine the entire system of historic and open space easements and historic preservation.
J
Judith Shehan
7 years ago
To grant this plan would be a travesty for Alexandria and the state of Virginia. Please reject this proposal
A
Anonymous
7 years ago
If City Council approves this demolition it is another example of the lack of knowledge of the importance of history to Alexandria. Each loss makes it easier for the next proposal to be approved.
R
Randy Maddox
7 years ago
And add a hearty "Hell yes!!" from me. The Justice Black house is part of our history and MUST be preserved.
M
mary landis
7 years ago
please do not destroy this beautiful historic property. So many of our historic landmarks are being removed by the city, soon we will not be Historic Alexandria but just a suburb of Washington..
keep our history intact.. we do not need more condos in Old Town or parks when it destroys history..
T
Tatyana Schremko Schriempf
7 years ago
The erosion of history and open space is counterproductive to what attracts visitors and tourists to Alexandria, which has a negative impact on our economy. Alexandria is a landmark historic city and that is a magnet for visitors. This violation of the Virginia Open Space Land Act robs the citizens for the benefit of a few.
S
Sara V Loeppert
7 years ago
Protect our history.
P
Patricia Mellen
7 years ago
Please honor the easement
M
Michael C Maibach
7 years ago
We ask Mayor Wilson and the City Council to be strong, reliable stewards of Old Town's historic gems like the Black House. The last three generations have passed it to us for our safe keeping, and to hand down to our children.
M
Michael C Maibach
7 years ago
We ask Mayor Wilson and the City Council to be strong, reliable stewards of Old Town's historic gems like the Black House. The last three generations have passed it to us for our safe keeping, and to hand down to our children.
C
Charles Ablard
7 years ago
Council should send the matter back to BAR to reduce the mass of 3 outbuildings.
S
Sofía Estévez
7 years ago
Historic landmark should be preserved for future generations.
M
Marilynne Black
7 years ago
Alexandria’s historic buildings attract tourists and contribute to the economic value of the city. Massive changes to these buildings detract from the character and atmosphere we treasure in this unique community. Oppose these changes.
J
Janet King
7 years ago
I am so proud of our historic city. As I have for decades, on April 27th I took advantage of the Historic Virginia Garden Week House Tour to view 5 magnificent homes - and to admire others as I passed through the historic district. The pride we have in this destination city should be for every one of us demonstrated via the legacy we leave to future visitors and to all residents. Please do nothing to negatively impact this legacy.
M
Mark Michaeol Ludlow
7 years ago
It is unacceptable to notably alter or destroy this historic landmark in a Federally designated historic district.
A
Ann McCracken
7 years ago
City Council,
Honor the easement, architectural integrity and historic preservation!
A
Anonymous
7 years ago
As an Alexandria resident, homeowner and taxpayer for more than fifty years, I implore City Council to do their duty and honor the easement granted under the VA Open Space Land Act.
E
Evans Gail
7 years ago
This is an outstanding piece of architecture. Please do not allow it to be demolished!
E
Edward Kemp
7 years ago
Preserve this open space in Old Town as part of the fabric of the community!
As more and more development continues in our historic community, we are in danger in losing our historic homes. Please do not allow for this easement to be breached.
my husband, Robert Deitz, and I were taken aback to hear that the perpetual historic preservation easements granted by Justice Black to the Commenwealth of VA and the City of Alexandria to protect his house and property in perpetuity, as deserves such a certified landmark and cherished home of a Supreme Court Justice, is being waived to allow the demolition of historic fabric and the building of additional structures. We cannot find a legitimate reason for this decision. Certainly not regarding the permission to add additional structures despite the open space easement. Our position and standing with respect to this controversy is not just based on our being long time residents of Alexandria. Our own home of 25 years at 218 S. Lee Street and its open space are also protected by a historic easement. We bought the property subject to a deed of scenic, exterior open space and architectual facade easement granted by the former owners, Mr. & Mrs Moore, to the Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission in 1992. Over the years, we have restored the facade and the iron stairs and landing working with the BAR and the AHRPC to make sure to respect the terms of the easement. Alexandria is a special City in many respects. It is a priviledge to live in a diverse and well managed Town that also boasts a charming historic center that attracts locals and tourists alike. Change is inevitable, but disrespecting the easement on the Justice Black property for the sole benefit of its new private owners leaves a sour taste. Not only does the Justice Black residence and property merit the protection because of it historic significance, but waiving the terms of the easement on 619 S. Lee Street will set a precedent to undermine the entire system of historic and open space easements and historic preservation.
To grant this plan would be a travesty for Alexandria and the state of Virginia. Please reject this proposal
If City Council approves this demolition it is another example of the lack of knowledge of the importance of history to Alexandria. Each loss makes it easier for the next proposal to be approved.
And add a hearty "Hell yes!!" from me. The Justice Black house is part of our history and MUST be preserved.
please do not destroy this beautiful historic property. So many of our historic landmarks are being removed by the city, soon we will not be Historic Alexandria but just a suburb of Washington.. keep our history intact.. we do not need more condos in Old Town or parks when it destroys history..
The erosion of history and open space is counterproductive to what attracts visitors and tourists to Alexandria, which has a negative impact on our economy. Alexandria is a landmark historic city and that is a magnet for visitors. This violation of the Virginia Open Space Land Act robs the citizens for the benefit of a few.
Protect our history.
Please honor the easement
We ask Mayor Wilson and the City Council to be strong, reliable stewards of Old Town's historic gems like the Black House. The last three generations have passed it to us for our safe keeping, and to hand down to our children.
We ask Mayor Wilson and the City Council to be strong, reliable stewards of Old Town's historic gems like the Black House. The last three generations have passed it to us for our safe keeping, and to hand down to our children.
Council should send the matter back to BAR to reduce the mass of 3 outbuildings.
Historic landmark should be preserved for future generations.
Alexandria’s historic buildings attract tourists and contribute to the economic value of the city. Massive changes to these buildings detract from the character and atmosphere we treasure in this unique community. Oppose these changes.
I am so proud of our historic city. As I have for decades, on April 27th I took advantage of the Historic Virginia Garden Week House Tour to view 5 magnificent homes - and to admire others as I passed through the historic district. The pride we have in this destination city should be for every one of us demonstrated via the legacy we leave to future visitors and to all residents. Please do nothing to negatively impact this legacy.
It is unacceptable to notably alter or destroy this historic landmark in a Federally designated historic district.
City Council, Honor the easement, architectural integrity and historic preservation!
As an Alexandria resident, homeowner and taxpayer for more than fifty years, I implore City Council to do their duty and honor the easement granted under the VA Open Space Land Act.
This is an outstanding piece of architecture. Please do not allow it to be demolished!
Preserve this open space in Old Town as part of the fabric of the community!