Editor, Gazette-Journal:

With very little warning to the public, the Mathews Board of Supervisors called a special meeting for Nov. 22. One of only two business items on the agenda was subdividing the Historic Court Green, a necessary step before transferring a deed.

The small piece of land is just outside the front door of the old courthouse, and on it sits a Confederate monument. Until recently, some members of the Board of Supervisors hoped to deed the land to the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Sons of Confederate Veterans, but when it looked like that might be challenged legally because of a history of racism, a new organization was formed.

The Virginia Code clearly states that “Zoning ordinances shall be for the general purpose of promoting the health, safety or general welfare of the public” (§ 15.2-2283). No such purpose exists in this subdivision.

The same section of the Virginia Code also says that one consideration of a zoning ordinance should be “to protect against destruction of or encroachment upon historic areas.” The parcel of land in question would destroy the integrity of a Historic Court Green dating back to the late 18th century.

There is no question that the new organization is a proxy for the old ones. There is no question that considering that organization without considering others is preferential treatment. There is no question that the process is being rushed.

The whole business reeks of manipulation.

Molly Hoffman
Gwynn, Va.