We'll see who publishes it...and who doesn't....
Dear Editor,
While there are two lots become greener at Pebble Creek, there are other
matters involved with these two lots we should be thinking about. All those
involved and the way these two particular lots have been handled should
remain green in our minds, as Hanover County residents. They should remain
green until election time.
The fact is we have witnessed our county turn a blind eye to doing what
is right and fair. We have witnessed the county, a developer, and the
Commonwealth's Attorney say, "We've done nothing wrong". We know they have.
They know they have, but won't admit to a mistake.
I have spoken to residents of Pebble Creek who have had the unfortunate
experience of watching the inhumane manner in which these past Hanover
County residents' remains were removed. They now sit on property containing
the rest of the Sydnor family remains and the separate slave cemetery,
containing the remains of Emma Green and her ancestors. They question how
this will effect their property value, how structurally sound is their home,
do they even "own" their own property. There are health conditions to be
concerned about in the area which may affect their children, and in some
cases, may already have. They have every right to be both concerned and
upset.
I have spoke to Sydnor family members. They can not fathom that of all
people, the County officials, including the Commonwealth Attorney would not
see how wrong this entire situation has been. Again, turning the blind eye,
they allow for a developer to remove remains from ground that may not
legally belong to him. A handful of deeds show it does not. The county has
this information in their own courthouse. If the county will allow this to
happen, what is next?
Just ask the Broaddus family. They know the answer.
We, as Hanover County residents, need to be equally upset and concerned.
Why? This could be us next time. Who is to say it won't be? We now have no
guarantee from the County and its officials that the right and fair thing
will ever be done. They didn't want to answer the Hanover Association of
Voters' questions regarding these two cemeteries in 1990. They didn't want
to become involved in 2000 during the lawsuit between Rockview Homes vs
PMG-One, LLC. Now they don't want to find any criminal wrong doing in 2002.
Did they know the cemeteries were there? Yes. Do the deeds show who the
property owner is? Yes. Do Virginia State Laws apply to the property owner
when in reference to a private, family cemetery? Yes.
Is it considered desecration to remove/destroy graves if you are not the
property owner? Yes. Has there been any wrong-doing? Depends on who you ask.
Almost everyone says yes, except the Hanover Co. officials and the
Commonwealth Attorney of Hanover Co. We've seen first-hand the greed of a
developer in action and the way our county has handled this matter.
Shameful!
So, as I was told this week by the Attorney General's office when I
asked, "Who do I go to next? Who is THEIR boss or superior?", the answer
was. WE ARE. Remember these folks at election time!
No, I am not running for office. This is not a "political agenda" for me
personally, but rather a "political agenda" in that we, as residents, need
to stand up, pay close attention, and due what is responsible and right as
residents of this sacred county. Let's remember at election time how they
have put everyone in the county in a defenseless state and done NOTHING to
protect the remains of past residents and NOTHING to protect new residents.
They may have turned a blind eye on all of us now, but there will be many a
wide-eye come election time in Hanover Co. Your Board of Supervisors,
Commonwealth Attorney, etc........they were elected to SERVE us.
Have you been properly and responsibly served in Hanover County?
Sheri Millikin
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