The hard work of many individuals, organizations and elected officials to protect River Farm from the threat of development culminated at the April 13 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. At the meeting, board members approved 9-0 with one abstention, the establishment of the Wellington at River Farm Historic Overlay District (WHOD) following public testimony.
Addressing the board before the vote was taken, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck emphasized the importance of securely protecting River Farm from development in a way not guaranteed by AHS’ vague references of “intent” and “hope” for future buyers. “I think you all understand how significant, how important, how critical this is to our future, and the difference that this vote will make in adding one more layer of protection to this history.”
The establishment of the WHOD will not prevent the sale of River Farm. It does, however, limit development that can take place and prevent the destruction of historic buildings on the property.
The WHOD ordinance and rezoning application make the property usable only for a single family or public use. Any other uses of the historic home on the property, such as an antique shop, art and craft gallery or bed and breakfast, must be approved with a special permit and special exception. All uses must be compatible with the HOD and surrounding neighborhoods. No structures can exceed 35 feet in height.
Six speakers spoke in favor of the WHOD referenced the sites historical and archeological significance of the site as well as it’s community benefit as a beautiful open space, rich in plant life. Archelogy on the site suggests use of the land by Native Americans. It was also part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon and was later purchased by the locally prominent Matheson family before it was acquired by the American Horticultural Society (AHS) in the 1970s as their national headquarters. AHS listed the 27.58 acre property for sale last November.
Keister Evans spoke as a representative of the Save River Farm Committee. Evans was president of AHS when River Farm was purchased. He spoke to the intent behind the $1 million donation from philanthropist Enid A. Haupt that was used by AHS to purchase the property. He said that she wanted the property to remain open to the public as an important historical treasure. “It is therefore very clear that any plans of the American Horticultural Society to sell the property for uses other than the stated objectives in Ms. Haupt’s gift would be in violation of the terms of the trust,” said Evans.
A letter to the Board from The Annenberg Foundation, which manages Haupt’s charitable trust, verified Evan’s words. An email from Stork’s office reads that “the letter states that the sale of River Farm by AHS is in conflict with both the Grant Agreement and the Contract Agreement with AHS and urges AHS to adhere to the representations and directives in both of these documents. It also states that these documents contain express limitations on AHS' use of the property - specifically for its national headquarters and as a horticultural center - and AHS cannot use the River Farm for any other purpose.”
Attorney John C. McGranahan, spoke on behalf of AHS during the meeting. “I deeply regret that we find ourselves here today. Since AHS announced last fall that it was planning to sell River Farm, they have consistently stated their intent that the property be sold to a purchaser who will continue to be an excellent steward, one who will respect the beauty of the property and maintain it for a single use. AHS has stated their preference that some level of ongoing community access be provided as well,” McGranahan explained.
He went on to express concern over the record time it took for the WHOD to reach the approval process, merely five months after it was first proposed by Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Stork. McGranahan called it an “alarming and unnecessary precedent” that unfairly targets a specific property and asked for more time before a final decision is reached. Another speaker, with no connection to AHS echoed some of McGranahan’s sentiments.
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity expressed some concern after hearing testimony from AHS’ attorney and chose to abstain from the vote. The nine other board members voted to approve the WHOD which would take effect on July 1.
A state bill approved by the Virginia House and Senate could accelerate this timeline if approved by the County after public hearings. The bill further protects the WHOD from subdivision without approval and ensures public access. Governor Ralph Northam also recently approved a bill that will provide $2 million to preservation of the property.
The Board also directed that funds be identified to complete a cultural landscape survey and archaeological survey of the property.
A recording of the meeting can be viewed on the Fairfax County website at video.fairfaxcounty.gov/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=7.
Find out more about efforts to preserve River Farm here: www.saveriverfarm.com.
