Mullins, preservationists must set aside old spats

Date published: 7/21/2003

The July 1 public hearing regarding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' permit for development on the Mullins farm was well summarized in The Free Lance-Star ["Council listens to critics," July 2]. Some confusion remains regarding the process by which approval will be granted or denied. No confusion exists, however, on several facts:

(1) Bureaucracy can be an impediment to a fair process.

(2) Persons of good will can reach agreement, even in difficult situations.

What is apparently required in this case is a skilled mediator or an intervention strategy to allow good intentions to emerge from under the stress of a long struggle. It is also clear that the citizens of Spotsylvania (69 percent, according to one respected independent poll) do not want to see a housing development on this site. The "by right" zoning was the lesser of two evils to those who fought against the Dogwood proposal.

At the hearing, the leaders of several preservation groups offered to purchase the site at fair market value. A professional offered a free, independent appraisal. Mr. Mullins has an opportunity to take a place in history by accepting an offer providing him a profit equal to that dictated by the market, while saving a battlefield site for posterity.

We all hope that the community will be well served by citizens and leaders of courage, generosity, and the spiritual strength required to overlook previous misconceptions and work toward the common good.

Nancy McNamara

Spotsylvania

Read more stories about Spotsylvania
Date published: 7/21/2003