Supervisors approve shed at James Monroe Birthplace but defer decision on motorized vehicle

Volunteers who maintain the James Monroe Birthplace persuaded the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors to allow a storage shed on the county-leased property, but supervisors delayed a decision about using motorized equipment on the historic grounds.

Dr. Leonard Levin, who identified himself as a volunteer with the James Monroe Foundation, told the board he and other volunteers had cleared invasive vegetation, removed dumped debris and improved a half‑mile walkway around the site. “We now have 80% of that pathway down to the pier, laid with fabric and at least 80% of that fabric covered with gravel at the site at no cost to the county,” Levin said, describing months of volunteer labor.

Another volunteer, Bucky Dorr of Colonial Beach, said the group had purchased a used golf cart with foundation approval and was requesting permission to store equipment in a shed near the visitor center so they could transport mulch, gravel and tools to work sites. “What we need is simply a way to convey bags of mulch, bags of gravel, buckets, tools, that sort of thing,” Dorr said.

Board members expressed appreciation for the volunteers’ work but raised concerns about the visual and historic integrity of the site if motorized equipment were used near colonial‑era structures. Supervisor Henson said he was open to approving a storage building but wanted to study how other historic sites handle maintenance vehicles. “I would like to go to Wakefield and Stratford and ask their opinion to give you an idea,” Henson said, and he moved to approve the shed while asking staff to review the vehicle question.

County staff confirmed that the James Monroe Foundation had paid deposits toward the vehicle and that the foundation was covering equipment costs, not the county, a point Levin reiterated. The board voted to allow the shed to be placed on the parcel, with a majority saying “aye” and the chair casting the deciding vote in favor. Supervisors also directed further review on vehicle types, acceptable use and historic‑setting controls before permitting motorized equipment on site.

The board’s action permits the volunteers to install a storage building compatible with the house’s appearance; any later decision about operating a golf cart or utility ATV on the grounds must await the staff report and the board’s subsequent vote. The supervisors closed the agenda item by thanking the volunteers for their time and unpaid work.

The board’s next step, as discussed during the meeting, is for staff to consult management practices at other Colonial period sites and return with recommendations on vehicle restrictions and design guidelines for any maintenance equipment.