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Culpeper supervisors agree to upgrade courthouse lawn.

By DONNIE JOHNSTON

Date published: 12/6/2006

The Culpeper County Courthouse lawn will get its first real face-lift in almost 100 years.

The Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to proceed with a makeover estimated to cost $216,000. Since no public funds were appropriated, most of the renovation costs will come from public donations. Work will proceed as the money comes in.

County Environmental Services Director P.J. Howard yesterday unveiled the new plan, which includes a canopied stage for lawn concerts.

"We're trying to enhance this property for those who want to use it," said board Chairman John Coates.

The plan, which includes the cutting of four trees, was not adopted without controversy.

"What's wrong with the way it is?" asked Supervisor Bill Chase. "Why are we spending all this money?"

Vice Chairman Steve Nixon, who chairs the Buildings and Grounds Committee, told Chase that "there are concerns about the layout and seating arrangements for concerts."

"I go to concerts there and see no problem," replied Chase, who added, "I feel this is the wrong time for us to spend $216,000."

Coates said that, except for the cost of cutting trees and the $16,000 the county paid to have a master plan drawn, officials hope private funds will cover the rest of the cost.

Chase also was not thrilled with the tree-cutting proposal. He had no problem with removing two large diseased maples on the west side of the courthouse, but took exception to taking down a holly behind the present wooden stage.

"I see no reason to remove that tree right now," Chase said. "You don't want to cut down a holly tree at Christmas time."

Supervisor Larry Aylor said it would be cheaper to cut all the trees at once.

"I give up," Chase replied. "Cut the whole doggone thing down!"

Under the new plan, the stage area will be on the north side of the courthouse lawn near where the Sheriff's Office cars are now parked off Cameron Street.

An oval brick walkway would replace two concrete walks. Flagpoles and shrubbery also would be added.

This will be the first significant lawn change in 138 years. Although the wrought-iron fence was built in 1886, the Confederate Monument was added in 1911 and the old bandstand was torn down during the 1940s, the general configuration of the lawn has remained the same since the courthouse was built in 1872.

In other action yesterday, the board decided to continue to explore Supervisor Sue Hansohn's proposal to have personal-property and real-estate taxes paid in two yearly installments instead of everything coming due on Dec. 5.

The Rules Committee will continue to try to come up with a plan that will be acceptable to the county treasurer, the commissioner of revenue and supervisors, committee Chairman Steve Walker said. That plan will then be brought before the board.

"If it takes six months to come up with a plan, that's what we'll do," said Hansohn.

To reach DONNIE JOHNSTON:
Email: djohnston@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 12/6/2006