University of Virginia Library

Landmarks Commission Urges
Green Springs Cooperation

By ELLEN ANDERSON

Green Springs residents, the
Louisa County Board of
Supervisors and interested state
agencies should cooperate in
defining what portions of the
area are historic and what
actions are needed to assure
future preservation, the
Virginia Historic Landmarks
Commission urged yesterday.

In response to Gov.
Linwood Holton's
consideration of the site as a
reception and diagnostic
prison, Green Springs became a
center of controversy. The
Green Springs Association,
composed of area residents and
other interested persons,
opposed the plan and went to
court to block the use of
federal funds in the project.

In contrast, the Board of
Supervisors and the State
Department of Welfare and
Institutions cited the needs of
the state and the county as
overriding considerations and
supported the project.

Commission Chairman
Stanley Abbott of
Williamsburg noted Mr.
Holton's views on availability
of open-space easement
legislation allowing
participation of individuals in
the preservation of scenic and
historic areas.

The commission asked that
the report be completed in 39
days.

Mrs. Hiram B. Ely, a
spokesman for the Green
Springs Association, still sees a
threat concerning the prison
proposal.

In contrast to the public
outcry against the short-term
prison plans for Green Springs,
Mecklenburg County citizens
and officials are elated by the
state's selection of the area
yesterday for a long-term
400-man maximum security
prison.

Boydton County seat Mayor
Scott Herbert said he expects
the institution to have a great
effect on the town as well as
on the county. "It's going to
mean growth for us," he said.

The Mecklenburg institution
is estimated to be a $10 million
construction project and will
employ 200 persons, 150 from
the local area.

County Executive Secretary
Mike Scharbaugh said,
"Overall, the whole of
Mecklenburg County is
fortunate and happy."

Mr. Scharbaugh said he
believes community acceptance
of the state institution was the
most important factor in the
county being chosen.