Green Hedges School in Vienna: Money Talks!

We have been covering the Green Hedges School's lobbying effort to expand their school. A wise Vienna resident wrote in with the following comment:

"[Green Hedges School] would not consider expansion or go to the expense of preparing a case for construction unless they had some assurance from someone that they might get approval in spite of what I read was the previous agreement with the Town."

Good point. Very good point. Here is an outline of exchanges from the last two weeks with the Town Zoning Director:

Question 1: The conditional use permit issued to Green Hedges School stipulates 33 staff members. Their web site lists 42. Are they in violation now? How does enforcement work? What does the Town do in the case of violations of conditional use permits?

Greg Hembree, Zoning Director: We'll ask them about these issues and decide on the next course of action based upon their answers. As you know, any proposed expansion will also require an amendment to the existing conditional use permit which will certainly deal with students, employees, building size, site plan arrangement, etc.

Question 2: Thanks. I do understand a whole new review process will get underway soon, but they should not be allowed to violate their current conditional use permits just because a new review process is coming.

Greg Hembree, Zoning Director: Did Not Respond.

Question 3: How long does it take to determine 42 staff members is in violation of their conditional use permit? Has any step been taken? Letter sent? Call made?

Greg Hembree, Zoning Director: Both an inquiry and a telephone call have been made to Green Hedges staff. Green Hedges students and staff were on spring break the last two weeks. Mr. Williams, the headmaster, has requested a few days to locate his copy of the 1997 conditional use permit which I consider to be reasonable. Once he has it in his possession, then he will call me ASAP. We will then discuss remediation of the problem, which includes the option of immediately applying for an amendment to the existing conditional use permit.

Question 4: Immediately applying for amendment? Why? What is the fine for a violation? Simply changing the original permit to be in compliance with the violation?