Joan Lillis: Not a Good Neighbor

Maud Robinson and
Historic District Activist Joan Lillis (Click for House)

Joan Lillis of 313 Windover Avenue had plenty to say in arguing against the new house at 315 Windover in 2004:

"Joan Lillis...stated that she is against the proposed application. Ms. Lillis said that the proposed house is a “mass” which she believes to be inharmonious and incongruous to the existing homes in that area. Ms. Lillis said that the ramblers are not such a bad thing and thinks there is a renaissance resurgence noting that ramblers are based on Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie house. Ms. Lillis said that she thinks it is unfortunate to have these personal attacks here about her and Mr. Lillis as well as other neighbors."

Let's set the record straight for Mrs. Lillis:

1. Mass is size. Size is not regulated by the Windover Heights Historic District. Lillis knows this.
2. Lillis never provided any proof that the new house at 315 Windover Avenue was "inharmonious and incongruous to the existing homes." Where is the proof?
3. Lillis may think ramblers are not such a bad thing and she is entitled to her opinion. The reality? The house she opposed in the summer of 2004 is now complete. The house that was there in the so-called Historic District was sold for $575,000. It was then demolished. The brand new house built in its place is gorgeous and recently sold for $1.8 million. That is good for all citizens of Vienna!
4. Up until the day the new $1.8 million dollar house went to settlement in November 05, Lillis was working hard to stop the closing and prevent occupancy.

Her husband Frank Lillis at the same meeting argued:

"Lillis said that if the Board continues to approve the kinds of house that are before the Board this evening, than pretty soon anything that comes in is going to be compatible; the area will become a high priced neighborhood and not a historic district."

Is Frank Lillis calling for the devaluation of real estate? He clearly is. He is not on same page with the vast majority of Americans who actually desire to see their home increase in value! If you live in the Windover Heights Historic District be aware of Lillis' behind the scenes actions to lower property values.

Keep in mind though, Frank Lillis as a member of the Vienna Board of Zoning Appeals voted for 316 Windover's brand new house (across the street from Lillis). That house happens to be 15,000 square feet and worth $8 million dollars now. Lillis wants "tear down rambler type houses" next door to him, but apparently in some locations approved by Frank Lillis multi-million dollar houses are acceptable. Frank Lillis is a hypocrite of the highest order.

Here is the house at 315 Windover BEFORE.
Here is the house at 315 Windover AFTER.

A good article from the local paper outlining the nonsense Lillis engineered.