Not In Jefferson's Back Yard: Sprawl Invades History

Preservationists are concerned about sprawl encroaching the views from Thomas Jefferson's house. They argue that the views from Thomas Jefferson's house are as much a part of history as the house itself and should be preserved.

1 minute read

August 9, 2001, 10:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"Monticello, the celebrated neoclassical home that Jefferson built on a rural Virginia mountaintop, is encircled by more than 2,000 acres of preserved hillsides and forests. But because the site commands such grand views...the creep of modern suburbia, even when miles away, is clearly within view.The idea of protecting the landmark's vast vistas strikes some as a misguided quest for historical purity. But for others in thrall of Jefferson's masterpiece, each new project sets off familiar alarms: not in his back yard."

Thanks to Kevin Hammond

Thursday, August 9, 2001 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

White bike symbol painted on green bike lane.

OKC Approves 7.2 Miles of New Bike Lanes

The city council is implementing its BikeWalkOKC plan, which recommends new bike lanes on key east-west corridors.

7 hours ago - Oklahoma City Free Press

Aerial view of downtown Houston, Texas skyline with low-rise housing in foreground.

Preserving Houston’s ‘Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing’

Unsubsidized, low-cost rental housing is a significant source of affordable housing for Houston households, but the supply is declining as units fall into disrepair or are redeveloped into more expensive units.

March 21 - Urban Edge

Small tree in bloom with pink flowers in front of home in Toronto, Canada.

The Most Popular Tree on Google?

Meet Rodney: the Toronto tree getting rave reviews.

March 21 - Toronto Star