Flank and Defense Roads, Petersburg Virginia. Act now

[Emmanuel Dabney]

A petition has been started to preserve fortifications along two Petersburg road networks.

http://www.petitiononline.com/flankrd/petition.html

A plan for new housing stock could impact some of the best preserved fortifications in the area.

[JudsonWatkins]

Re: Flank and Defense Roads, Petersburg Virginia. Act now

I signed the petition, because people should be ashamed of even thinking of harming the physical remnence of the sacred heritage that a majority of the citezens of the south hold dear to them.

Thank you for acting,

[Dignann]

Re: Flank and Defense Roads, Petersburg Virginia. Act now

Emmanuel,

Any more info on the threat? Does the city, county or VDOT currently have plans to intrude upon the defenses? Who's behind the petition?

I don't know the legalities of such things, but it seems to me that the language in the deed ought to be somewhat binding. If the language quoted on the petition is accurate, then the NPS has a vested interest in any efforts to negate the intent of the deed. What's the stance of the NPS?

Eric

[Emmanuel Dabney]

Re: Flank and Defense Roads, Petersburg Virginia. Act now

Having talked it over today, the city has right of way to about 50 feet of property either side of the road. There is no planned development along Defense Road (location of Confederate fortifications) and pre-existing rights to land, as we know, means that things may be saved or may not.

While signing, I still feel is nice, landowners always have a right to do what they wish with their land. I have sent an e-mail to the person to suggest they contact the city planner to better understand what is proposed, etc.

But I guess I will say, no need to start marching on Petersburg and laying on Union fortifications. I have noticed several members of the forum who have signed and as always that is good. Never hurts to send a friendly reminder that people near and far are watching developing movements and are interested in historic properties.

Positive news is that the Sons of Union Veterans have cleaned off a portion of Fort Hayes and have fronted the money for an interpretive sign which will be a part of the Civil War Trails tour.

[Wounded_Zouave]

Re: Flank and Defense Roads, Petersburg Virginia. Act now

While signing, I still feel is nice, landowners always have a right to do what they wish with their land.

Not necessary true. You can't put a toxic waste dump on your own land if you choose, at least not without the permission and permits from the local authorities. Can't leave an eye sore like a junked car in your driveway without your home-owner's association getting after you. Heck, can't always paint your house a bizarre color for the same reason. By the same token if I had my way Civil War sites would be as protected as some endangered species are. Bulldoze it and you get jail time. But, hell... the Feds won't even lock up a developer who digs ditches on NPS land, as at Harper's Ferry, so it's a losing battle. :angry_smi Like it or not, the world, and this country, is getting far too small for landowners to be doing whatever they please with their land. You have a right to your land, but you have an obligation to be responsible in how you utilize it.