Sunnyside

Sunnyside

wins some,

loses some

at ARB

By Richard Lykes

Special to the Rappahannock News

The flares went up again at last Thursday’s meeting of the Tbwn of Washington’s Architectural Review Board over Sunnyside Farms’ most recent incarnation of its ongoing construction in the center of the town between Gay and Main streets.

Reflecting sentiments of some town residents who had thought Sunnyside’s project was to be a simple town park connecting its outbuildings, the Clopton House and the market, board members complained about the project being “too much of a good thing,” “too commercial,” “an outdoor emporium” and “architecturally incompatible.”

In a candid session, with gentle prodding and some constructive, carefully-worded criticism, the ARB approved a number of plans for Sunnyside’s project and denied others.

One request for signs on two arbor trellises at the principal entrances to the property was withdrawn by Sunnyside representative Jill Spencer in light of the negative “community input” expressed by ARB members during the two and a half -hour discussion.

A revised plan brought back to the ARB by Sunnyside included a number of changes, including new wrought iron gates to give protection to the small items on sale at the open Potting Shed, and eight newly designed signs for the property. After protracted discussion of the wrought iron gates that were to be “temporary” because they would be “for sale,” Spencer agreed to make them permanent and put on sale other similar items.

But in'the end, with growing concern about the disparate architectural elements in what most felt would be a simple park, the ARB suggested that Sunnyside go back to the drawing board and submit a new plan for closing up the Potting Shed.

Throughout the proceedings, ARB members expressed admiration for individual portions of the plan and signs, and acknowledged the commendable goals of Sunnyside in trying to develop a sustainable market for small organic farmers in

See ARB, Page A8