University of Virginia Library

Environment

The Appeals Court notes in its opinion,
written by Judge Sobeloff, that the Welfare and
Institutions department "seems to have given
consideration to factors such as soil and water
requirements. These factors are indeed
'environmental' in a sense, but other
environmental or cultural factors...were not
taken into account by either (the state or the
LEAA) in the decisions concerning the center."

The court believes that the proposed
Medical and Reception Center would present a
"jarring contrast" to its surroundings.

The opinion does not however, endorse
"allegations...that (the building)... will destroy
the unique historical and architectural
environment of that area. The merits of the
respective conditions are not at issue before us."