University of Virginia Library

State Officials Continue Green Springs Debate

By MARK HOGREFE

Colonel and Mrs. Hiram Ely live
at Hawkwood, an estate in the
secluded woodlands of Louisa
County. Their home is listed on the
National Landmarks Register. Yet,
the State Board of Welfare and
Institutions has chosen to construct
a State Penitentiary across the
street. Why?

Otis Brown, director, of the
board, explains, "There was no
particular reason for selecting this
site over any of the others. It was
flat and relatively clear so that we
could avoid the cost of grading and

clearing. It was near a major
highway (Interstate 64), with close
proximity to Charlottesville's
medical staff and facilities
(University of Virginia Hospital)."

Frederick Hartt, chairman of the
University's Art Department has
explained, however, that the Green
Springs area, where the prison is to
be located is an area of great
architecturally significant value. He
opposes the building on the basis
that it might detract from the
significance of the three historic
landmarks in the area.

He, along with Louisa County
historian Robert Murdock, the
Louisa County Garden Club, Dave
Lawall and Paul Delaney of the
University, and several other
organizations have helped the Elys
and other estate owners to "Save
Green Springs."

Lieutenant Governor-elect
Henry E. Howell was a member of
the Senate Welfare Committee
when the project began. Speaking
from his home in Norfolk
yesterday, he recounted the history
of the prison reform.

In 1966, Mr. Brown, as director
of Welfare and Institutions,
proposed to the committee that the
antiquated state prison facility in
Richmond be replaced by a new
facility to be located outside of the
city. "The Committee was excited
about the reform," Senator Howell
recalled.

Mr. Brown said that "I made a
commitment that I would not
condemn land for the project. It is
an open space with 215 acres as a
buffer. We want it to blend into the
scenery."

Mr. Howell expressed concern
over his lack of information. His
only source is through letters from
concerned citizens, none of which
he has received. "Hopefully," he
concluded, "we can restructure
government to make meaningful
decisions" about the welfare of
both Green Springs and the
prisoners who will be benefited.

The Senator toured the
outmoded Richmond facility in
1968, and his concern for prison
reform was bolstered. From that
time on, the committee worked to
appropriate money for the project.

Mr. Howell explained that he
had been kept in the dark about the
prison's location. It wasn't until
this year, after the site had been
selected, that Mr. Howell was
briefed on the prison's location in
Louisa County's historic Green
Springs area.

Dave Lowell of the University
called Senator Howell and
explained its disruptive effect upon
the heritage of Green Springs.

"But I have received nothing in
writing from anyone," Mr. Howell
said, "and at not time, to my
knowledge, did anyone come to the
Welfare Committee to explain the
disruption of the environmental
and aesthetic aspects of the
location."