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VOL. 10, NO. 16
25
FEBRUARY 27, 2025
Oak Hill Park Plan Killed in Senate, Hopes Turn to Youngkin BY NORMAN K. STYER AND HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org nstyer@loudounnow.org
The effort to establish President James Monroe’s 1,240-acre Loudoun estate as a state park hit a roadblock last week when the chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee killed a bill that would authorize the state government to accept a gift of the land. Advocates of the project are now working to persuade Gov. Glenn Youngkin to save the deal through a state budget amendment. Monroe’s Oak Hill estate, located on the west side of today’s Rt. 15 north of Gilbert’s Corner, is the only home of a Founding Father still in private ownership. Monroe inherited the land in 1808 and constructed its large mansion between 1820 and 1823. He retired there at the end of his second term in 1825. Around fifty enslaved African Americans lived and worked at the plantation. Today, the property is owned by Tom and Gayle DeLashmutt, whose family has owned the property for 70 OAK HILL continues on page 38
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
Purcellville Vice Mayor Carl 'Ben' Nett, left, and Mayor Christopher Bertaut, right, listen to town staff during a Feb. 25 meeting.
Purcellville Turmoil Continues
Nett Faces Internal Affairs Investigation, Town Manager Search Garners 60 Applicants BY HANNA PAMPALONI
hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Purcellville Police Officer Carl “Ben” Nett, who also serves as the town’s vice mayor, has been pulled from active duty and is subject to an internal affairs investigation being conducted by the Prince William Police Department. The action comes at a time when the
Purcellville department is facing staff shortages in the wake of a series of retirements and resignations. The nature of the internal investigation is unknown, but Nett’s placement on administrative leave appears related to questions about whether he provided required information regarding sick leave after informing the department on the weekend of Feb. 8 that he would be out sick indefinite-
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ly. Nett attended the Town Council meeting Feb. 13. “A physician’s statement or examination by a physician designated by the Town may be required by the Department Director when frequent sick leave occurs. Abuse of sick leave is considered a serious matter PURCELLVILLE TURMOIL continues on page 38
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