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April 27, 2008
Joan Lillis Takes Vienna "Walk on the Hill" to New Low Comments (17)
Today was the annual Historic Vienna, Inc. "Walk on the Hill". Historic Vienna, Inc. is of course a Town of Vienna created and run corporation. At the "walk" neighbors put this sign up at each participating yard's entrance:
However, today there was something different, because today historic nut job Loan Lillis posted some "extra" discriminatory language on this sign at her front yard entrance:
For those wondering yes those signs are ultimately paid for with tax payer dollars. Should citizens of Vienna be outraged at Lillis or just feel sorry for her? Unfortunately it is just further evidence that our government has been hijacked by corrupt and petty politicians.
However, the best spectacle of the day was launched by queen historic nut Laine Hyde. Apparently Hyde filed a police report because pictures of her house were taken. Yes, this is the same Laine Hyde who is President of Historic Vienna, Inc. and who also sits on the Town of Vienna Commercial ARB. More to come on Hyde.
April 26, 2008
Historic Propaganda Vienna Style Comments (1)
From the Historic Vienna, Inc. (read: Town of Vienna government) website:
The Freeman Store and Museum has regular store and museum hours Wednesday through Saturday noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Little Library will be open on the first Sunday of each month. It will also be open on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for stories from our storyteller for children ages four to twelve accompanied by a parent. The latter event will be canceled in case of inclement weather. Bring the kids and come and hear a story and learn about the oldest building of its kind in Fairfax County.
Oldest building of its kind? What the [blank] does that mean? These people will say or do anything to keep up an undocumented and frankly unimportant history. When something is actually documented historic in Vienna, like Moorefield, these historic nuts tear it down. So who are people who make this nonsense up?
Officers of Historic Vienna, Inc. are President Laine Hyde, Vice President Rose Mulville, Treasurer Kathy Georgen, Secretary Anne Stuntz. Board Members of Historic Vienna, Inc.: Sarah Jane Brady, Michael Cheselka, Daniel Dellinger, Frank Lancaster, Shirley McCoy, Maud Robinson, David Shelby, Sandra Stadelman, Daphne Sloan, Paul Snodgrass, Katherine Tugendhat
Can anyone point out in Virginia State law where the Town of Vienna has the authority to create a corporation that is run by a private citizen named Laine Hyde?
March 26, 2008
Only in Vienna Comments (4)
From the Sun Gazette:
Vienna Mayor M. Jane Seeman has proclaimed Tuesday, April 8 as “Volunteer Recognition Day” in the town, to celebrate and promote volunteerism in the community. A special meeting of the Mayor's Advisory Committee will be held on April 8 at 8 p.m., to recognize individuals and organizations that were nominated as outstanding volunteers to attend. Those who will be honored include Terry Bachmann, Walter Basnight...
Cheers!
March 17, 2008
A Government Crooked Down to the Smallest Things Comments (3)
From the minutes of Vienna's Commercial Architectural Review Board comes this:
Ms. [Laine] Hyde stated that the color of the sign is fine but thought that the arrows shown on the proposal for the replacement tenant panel did not need to be added. It may give it a jumbled look. Chairwoman Damon stated her agreement with Ms. Hyde’s comments. Mr. Layer thought that the arrows served to emphasize the words “music” on the sign. Additional discussion followed.
So what do you think was really said? These are the edited meeting transcripts designed to make Maud's flunkies look competent. Could you imagine going before a governmental body and hearing some goof say that your professionally designed sign was "jumbled"? Especially since there is nothing in Vienna's Code that refers to design specifics, colors, or "jumbled" anything?
March 14, 2008
Historic Boob Laine Hyde Recuses Herself Comments (3)
From the Town minutes comes a request from the Town to the Town (digest that one for a second) to approve a marker for the destroyed Moorefield house:
Request for approval of signage for The Town of Vienna located at 900 Moorefield Court, SW, (Docket No. BAR-80-07), in the RTH Town House zoning district; filed by Cathy Salgado, Director of Parks and Recreation. Ms. Catherine Salgado, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation came forward. Ms. Salgado stated that they are proposing to install a marker sign at the former site of the Moorefield House, which is located within the Townes of Moorefield. The marker is part of the overall plan from when it was dismantled. It was the Town Council who decided that something should be installed to indicate the location of the Moorefield House. She presented a photograph of another marker that is located in front of the Community Center. The photograph shows a marker sign that is embedded in stone and will be similar to proposed marker. Chairwoman Damon asked if the stone is at the site. Ms. Salgado answered yes, explaining that there is currently a pile of stones at the site. They will use the largest of the stones to imbed the marker into. The stone will be placed where the front door had been located. Ms. [Laine] Hyde stated that she is recused from the item.
Why is Laine recused? We are not sure. We do know she is the boob leader of Historic Vienna Inc. Under her guidance she led the crusade to destroy and throw away Vienna's one and only historic structure (Moorefield was on the National Trust). Do we think the Vienna Town Attorney requested Hyde recuse herself on this silly vote for this silly board? Doubtful. No, this was probably Hyde trying to show that she is ethical. Nice try, no cigar! So when you read Town minutes for assorted meetings and you see an innocuous statement such as "Hyde recuses herself"...stop, pause and ask what are the real details. Unfortunately, since the Town of Vienna uses a practice of minutes that does not accurately reflect what takes place in meetings, since the Town has refused to video tape their meetings, we are left with morons like Hyde taking every liberty with the public trust they can.
Even Though Hyde Randomly Rules Against the Color Red, She Wears It
March 06, 2008
Public Corruption Comments (1)
From the papers:
[The Town Council voted to] renew the town's five-year lease with Historic Vienna Inc. to allow the non-profit group to operate and maintain the historic Freeman Store, the original Vienna Library building and the grounds at 131 Church St., N.E. The group will pay the town $1 in annual rent.
Said another way? Maud votes to allow her group of personal buddies (led by Laine Hyde) a free club house to play in. Is there any other local government that leases out millions of dollars of public assets for $1 a year with no outside competition? Is this behavior legal? When the history is written of Vienna politics Maud will go down as a dirty and corrupt public official.
January 09, 2008
What's Next Maud, Prohibition? Comments (1)
From the Sun Gazette comes a story titled "Vienna's Oktoberfest May Make Comeback" by Maud's boy Brian Trompeter:
After a 19-year break, Oktoberfest may be returning to Vienna. The Town of Vienna and the Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce have tentatively agreed to sponsor an Oktoberfest/Taste of the Town event on Oct. 4. The event would be a fitting finale for summer activities at the Town Green, said Tom Hanton, the chamber's vice president for membership.
Finale for Town Green summer activities? There is NOTHING going on at the Town Green, but now we have public officials outside of Town Council pretending that this boondoggle waste of money is accepted and useful? The Trompeter/Maud propaganda continues:
There would be live entertainment and activities, both designed for a younger audience, on the Town Green. A separate stage on Church Street would cater to an older crowd. Beer would be served from a closed-in area on nearby private property, as alcohol is verboten on the Town Green.
"Verboten"? It's almost as if Maud now writes the articles for Trompeter! And alcohol at the Town Green is verboten why? The article makes it sound like we citizens all know that alcohol is banned there for special events and that we all know why and agree with it. What's really odd about the no alcohol at special events bit? We have seen Town Green and historic nutbag Laine Hyde's crew have fun with alcohol, so why is it banned at the Town Green?
But it gets better. Here are some of the concerns of Council members about having Oktoberfest:
Council member Laurie Cole said chamber officials need to make sure their event does not interfere with the Vienna Optimist Club's Walk for Growing Hope, which likely will take place on the same day near that location.
Does anyone know what the "Walk for Growing Hope" is? Better yet, Maud foot soldier George Lovelace outlines his concerns:
Council member George Lovelace said organizers should be prepared for the onslaught of out-of-town visitors that Oktoberfest events often bring.
Good point George! Any economic development, any outside money coming into Vienna would be really dumb. Is this all a dream? Or do these nitwits actually run a government?
November 25, 2007
A Day in the Life of a Vienna Board Comments (15)
This link is a great example of what goes on during a Vienna board meeting. It is worth noting the truly inane comments from Maud crony Laine Hyde. Isn't this all special? We spend money and time to approve or disapprove "colors" of signs even though there are no rules or guidelines explaining what colors are appropriate or not. How did we get to the point that our government is filled with numerous mentally challenged Forest Gumps?
October 08, 2007
This Sums Up Vienna's Phony Historic Preservation Efforts Comments (2)
Source: Washington Post
June 02, 2007
Articles of Incorporation: Historic Vienna, Inc. Comments (1)
Article 8 of the Articles of Incorporation (PDF), of the Town funded Historic Vienna, Inc., clearly says "no" to affecting legislation in Vienna. That didn't stop Laine Hyde from writing this ditty on Historic Vienna, Inc. letterhead to Town Council:
"The Board of Directors of Historic Vienna, Inc. have requested that I express to you their great concern over the petition by several individuals to withdraw their properties from the Windover Heights Historic District. The Board feels that removing any property from within the existing boundaries would set a precedent which could invalidate the historic district ordinance and have an adverse impact upon preserving the integrity of the District...We urge the Planning Commission and the Town Council to maintain the integrity of the Windover Heights Historic District and deny the application for withdrawal."
-- Laine Hyde, President Historic Vienna, Inc.
Note for Maudites: The "stated purpose" mentioned in Article 8 was written before the creation of the Windover Heights Historic District. Also, the Board of Directors that Hyde refers to...includes Maud Robinson. Yes, that is correct, Maud Robinson was authorizing lobbying letters to be written from her to her.
May 22, 2007
The Freeman Store's No Pictures Policy Comments (7)
The recent no pictures flap at the Freeman Store was taped. Listen to the action (about 4 minutes).
Who is "Mr. Helper"? Mr. Helper is some random guy who injected himself into this debate. He is the soft spoken one in the conversation. The German sounding woman is the Freeman Store attendant.
May 21, 2007
Gestapo Tactics at Vienna's Freeman Store Comments (22)
Take a walk into the Town of Vienna's Freeman Store and you will see:
No evidence of Henry Minor's book.
Again, no evidence of Henry Minor's book.
Nothing too out of the ordinary there. Just a bunch of books. But here is where it gets interesting, this is Vienna after all. After taking those pictures the Freeman Store attendant ordered no more pictures quickly pointing to a tiny little sign on the door that banned pictures. Say what?
The woman (name unknown) above called the Police due to a resident taking pictures of books in the Freeman Store. What was the fear?
The man above (name and association unknown) injected himself into the dispute over taking pictures saying that taking pictures in a Town owned public building without permission was "arrogant". He had lots to say, but had no idea the Town actually owned the Freeman Store. He just kept saying the "Historical Society" owned it. He also accused the photographer of using his camera as a "weapon". Nice group of friendly "historical" folks eh?
Of course, we completely understand that these people will say that the picture takers were causing a "disturbance". That would not be a good tactic as an audio recording of the entire event exists. That audio clearly shows NO disturbance. It also shows random residents affiliated with no one getting upset that the Police were called. One resident goes on to call the people who work in the Freeman Store "nasty". Your tax dollars at work on a lazy Sunday afternoon in Vienna!
March 28, 2007
Scott J. Krischke of the Connection Shares Some Kool-Aid with Laine Hyde Comments (7)
From the Connection Newspaper comes an article of well-placed propaganda. As you read the article below keep in mind that Historic Vienna, Inc. (not to be confused with HistoricVienna.com) is a Town run, taxpayer funded "club". Also:
1. Laine Hyde is a conniving politician, not some nice little old lady preserving history.
2. The wife of Mayo Stuntz (mentioned in the article) left Vienna's historic review board several years ago after it was pointed out that she had lied about owning property in Vienna.
3. While the Connection Newspaper (and Maud's new sock puppet Scott J. Krischke) might be willing to play along with Maud's charade to prop up a phony Vienna history (wasting tax dollars and his nascent reporting reputation to do it), this site serves as a reminder as to who these people really are.
Bottom line: The Town refuses to tape their own meetings, but they spend tax money to tape whoever rambling about whatever at the Freeman Store. Nice, but as expected with this crowd. The "feel good" article in question:
Long before it was a Jiffy Lube car repair center, the plot of land at the corner of Maple Avenue and Lawyers Road in downtown Vienna was the site of a wooden home where, on Oct. 15, 1915, Vienna resident Mayo Stuntz was born. "Vienna was little, the streets were not paved, they were all gravel back in those days," said Stuntz, 91, who still resides a mile south of town. "So in time, you started seeing more paving, and there was a lot of road-building, and after that they did a lot of school-building."
Continue reading "Scott J. Krischke of the Connection Shares Some Kool-Aid with Laine Hyde" »
March 05, 2007
Laine Hyde's Companion Walter Basnight Attacks Cameraman Comments (9)
While Congressman Tom Davis and Fairfax County Chairman Gerry Connelly were in the house, Laine Hyde's companion attacked a cameraman at the The Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce Casino Night on Saturday night. Hyde's beau was the only person in the building launching attacks, everyone else wanted to pose for the camera!
What do we mean attacked? Walter Basnight (listed as a citizen member on the Chamber web site) put his hands on the cameraman (and attempted to break the camera) and then attempted to push him to the floor. It was bizarre. Witnesses were aghast.
Laine Hyde is of course the head of the Town sponsored sham operation Historic Vienna, Inc. and sits on the Town of Vienna Commercial Architectural Review Board. Does this woman really need to be involved in Vienna government? Is this the best we can do?
January 20, 2007
Laine Hide Takes Public Service Seriously. Not Comments (7)
From the January 18th meeting of the Commercial Architectural Review Board comes Laine Hide...
First, from the left side of the room. Then from the right side of the room. The building plans in Hide's hands are indeed moving as the camera moves. Seriously, why does Vienna have someone on a Board clearly not cut out for public service? Laine was a great candidate for the old private service routine in Vienna, but this website changed that game forever. We would think Hide would be proud to serve on this Board. Why does she seem embarrassed?
Two More Violations of Red
January 19, 2007
Laine Hyde Now Hydes at Meetings Comments (3)
At some point you have to wonder if it can get any crazier in this Town.
Last night Laine Hyde, while sitting on the Commercial Architectural Review Board in Council chambers, spent most of the night hiding behind either a newspaper or building plans to keep from being filmed. Are we only minutes away from the Town Council allowing their board members to wear anonymous masks? Pictures to come.
Protecting the Identity of Board Members!
We Are Alarmed at the Clear "Red" Violation Though!
January 15, 2007
Laine Hyde and Maud Robinson Exchange "Eyes" Comments (1)
In the video below several aspects of the corrupt Vienna machine are in action. First, the Mayor is asked if it is appropriate to have residents of the Historic District sitting on a review board armed with no standards able to deny their immediate neighbor. The clip edited for brevity then finds the Mayor unable to answer basic questions as to whether anything in Vienna is actually "historic." Lastly, in an effort to explain why she left the Historic Review board Laine Hyde blows some serious 'crazy person' wind. The best part of Hyde's talk? Check out Maud sending her "eye" signals of approval as Hyde launches into her laughable statement of objectivity:
January 10, 2007
Laine Hyde Blows Wind at Town Council Meeting Comments (1)
Laine Hyde gave a rambling impromptu speech Monday at Town Council. She explained that the only reason she left the Windover Heights Board of Review was due to her heavy outside work load. We are not buying that at all. Power hungry politicians like Hyde take action for political reasons. This is after all the same woman whose attorney claimed that this site was damaging her "social standing" in Vienna - whatever that meant. Video of Monday speech to come.
January 04, 2007
The "New" Fruitcake Lady Laine Hyde: Washington Post Article Comments (0)
In between her duties as head of scam organization Historic Vienna, Inc. and her intellectually dishonest "red" debate on the Vienna Architectural Review Board, Laine Hyde is apparently the new fruitcake lady (Wash. Post article). Maybe a fruitcake can be added to the Windover Heights Historic District? Who says we only have to have buildings or properties be designated historic? Why not make a fruitcake historic?
December 20, 2006
We Demand Laine Hyde "Tone Down" Her Red Lips Comments (3)
We have discussed on several occasions the Town of Vienna's anti the color red stance on their Commercial Architectural Review Board. One of the busy bodies on that board who pontificates about "no red" is Laine Hyde. What we don't understand is how Hyde can rule against the color red while showing up at these meetings with by our count three different "reds" on her person. Lips, watch and nails - all red. As Laine would say, "please tone down the red":
Three areas of "red" visible.
That is clearly "red".
Laine and Maud must seriously hate Christmas. The use of red, a color they both believe to be "garish", must be overwhelming for them during the holiday season.
"Do I have to remove my 'red' Laine?"
December 08, 2006
Special Treatment for Laine Hyde; Is This What You Get Being Maud's Buddy? Comments (0)
Laine Hyde appeared before the Windover Heights Board of Review one time. Here is an excerpt of the minutes of that meeting where Syd Verinder, then Windover Board member and former Town Council member, asks what the guidelines are for the historic district. He is told there are none by the Town planner:
Mr. Verinder asked Ms. Steingasser if she could give him a brief overview of what the Town’s appropriate standards are. Ms. Steintgasser explained that the Town really does not have a set standard, but rather looks at what will blend in with the surroundings at any particular location.
There you have it. That is the junk law that the Town of Vienna is spending tax payers' dollars to defend. Think they will win the case?
November 27, 2006
Ethical Bottom of the 'Red' Pit: Laine Hyde and Paul Layer Comments (7)
Only Maud's Lips Can Be Red in Vienna!
From the Commercial Board of Architectural Review Minutes of the Town of Vienna, Virginia on 06/15/2006 comes this excerpt all about the color "red":
Request for approval of signage for Bank of America located at 235 Maple Avenue, W...Chairwoman Damon asked if the sign has been installed. Mr. Wilcox answered yes. Chairwoman Damon stated concern that the sign has so much red on it. She stated that the previous signs that were approved were white and blue. To have such a mass of red on a brick building appears to be garish and not in keeping with the rest of the sign design for the building. Ms. Laine Hyde stated her disappointment that the sign is already in place. She noted that it puts the Board in a difficult position when reviewing an application. She stated her agreement with Chairwoman Damon’s statements. If the sign had come before the Board before it was installed then they would have requested to tone down or modify the red in some way. Ms. Brehony stated her agreement with the previous testimony. She stated that the sign is too bright. Mr. Layer asked if the ATM sign is all illuminated. Mr. Wilcox answered no. Mr. Layer asked if the applicant has an alternate design. Mr. Wilcox answered that he was not certain. Additional discussion followed regarding alternate options. It was determined that Mr. Wilcox would check with the applicant as to alternate options. There being no further questions the item was deferred. Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Bank of America located at 235 Maple Avenue, W. be deferred until such a time that the applicant can present alternate color options to the Board.
The people of the Town of Vienna should be proud of Hyde's and Layer's ethical foundation. Why criticize their ethics? They both know the law does not allow them to stop the use of the color red, but since the law is extremely vague they can get away with inane discussions like the one above. Do you think it is coincidence that Hyde and Layer both live in the Windover Heights Historic District and both support it?
Deborah Brehony and Rebecca Hartley resigned from the Commercial Board of Architectural Review, but Laine Hyde and Paul Layer stayed. They stayed because they are political cronies of the highest order. They are willing to sell their soul to make Maud happy.
It is a great example of Mao Maud's unexplained aversion to the color red that we mentioned last week.
November 26, 2006
Phony Brochure Available on Phony Historic Sites Comments (5)
From the Town Newsletter:
Historic Vienna, Inc., the town’s non-profit organization for historic preservation and restoration, has published a brochure on Vienna’s register of historic structures, sites and places (PDF). The brochure is available free of charge at Town Hall, the Vienna Community Center, Patrick Henry Library, and the Freeman House. The historic register was created in 1988 to encourage recognition of and interest in Vienna’s historic sites. For more information, call Historic Vienna at 703-938-5187 or email hviadmin@ci.vienna.va.us.
Guess how you get on this list? There are no rules! Guess how many structures or places on this list have been documented? None! And don't forget - participation on this list is entirely voluntary. If you want to pretend that your house is historic, simply send Laine a letter and she will then meet in closed session at the Freeman House to determine if you can be part of their club.
There must be a review board that looks at house or building changes? No, there is not. Consider:
"Mayor Robinson stated an additional proposed amendment had been drafted and incorporated to alleviate fears which had been expressed during the prior meeting that the proposed ordinance might by implication constitute an official designation under the zoning code and thereby trigger the establishment of an historic district around the property. He state the additional language was added to Section 25-2, Intent, relative to this issue. Mayor Robinson stated that he proposed to add additional language to the last paragraph of Section 25-2 as a last sentence, to read: "Listing of any historic structure, site or place in the Register as provided for in this Chapter shall not constitute official designation as defined and used in Article 26 of Chapter 18, of the Code of Vienna."
So you are saying this is entirely voluntary and in no way protects or preserves anything? Yes, that is true. Additionally, nothing on this list is on any State or Federal Historical Register. Why was this phony list created in 1988 then? The Town (read: Maud) needed "something" to prop up the Windover Heights Historic District since nothing was ever documented. They came up with this idiotic voluntary "register" just like they came up with the signs all over Vienna that point to a mythical "Historic Church Street".
How bad is the fraud? In the brochure "#4 Moorefield House" refers to a house no longer in existence. The brochure states:
The house fell into disrepair in the late 1900s and despite many efforts to save the structure it was dismantled in 2005. It was containerized and is awaiting a new location.
That is a lie and we have the pictures to prove it. Don't you like the use of the word "containerize"? More on the lie.
Can anyone explain to us why Laine Hyde and the rest of the nuts associating with this tax payer funded con are not historic frauds? Or maybe we should join in with the "big historic pretend"? Whether it’s true or not misses the point, right?
November 19, 2006
Laine Hyde and Historic Vienna, Inc. Welcome All Vienna Citizens! Comments (0)
Garden Club Member Laine Hyde Puppet
From the Town Historic Vienna Inc. site run by Laine Hyde:
The Church Street Stroll is scheduled for Monday, November 27 from 6 until 9PM where Church Street will be closed down to all but Pedestrian traffic who can enjoy an evening of stress free shopping while enjoying caroling, a visit from Santa, watching live entertainment, toastng marshmallows etc. The Freeman Store will be open for business and our storekeepers will be awaiting you with a cheery smile and a hello.
If anyone can step forward with evidence of Laine Hyde's "cheery smile" there will be a reward! So far this is the closest we have! Maybe they mean Maud here? No way! That smile would terrify small children!
Why the sarcasm from us? Consider this excerpt from the Town web site run by Laine Hyde:
What Is Historic Vienna, Inc.? Historic Vienna, Inc. (HVI), established by the Vienna Town Council on April 5, 1976, is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to: Preserving and promoting Vienna’s heritage through the identification, preservation, and interpretation of historically significant places, events, and persons. Educating the public through permanent and revolving exhibits, outreach programs, speical events and publications. Enhancing a spirit of community through an awareness of Vienna’s past.What Does HVI Do? Identifies, preserves, and operates sites and structures of historical significance, such as The Freeman House and the Original Library. Acquires and exhibits artifacts of historical interest. Conducts educational presentations and tours for students and civic groups. Maintains and operates the Freeman Store offering items for sale: Vienna and Virginia souvenirs, arts and crafts, books and penny candy. Coordinates annual events, such as ‘Walk On The Hill”, antique appraisals and Santa Claus at Christmas time. Serves as a recipient of gifts, legacies, and bequests for on-going preservation and historic activities.
Government sanctioned lies are never a good thing. The two excerpts above are clearly filled with flat out lies. Hyde should be forced to document her statements.
November 11, 2006
Statement of Economic Interests for Laurie DiRocco, Paul Layer, Laine Hyde and Shirley Damon Comments (0)
Since the Town of Vienna will not post Statements of Economic Interests on their web site, we post them:
No More 'Hyding'!
"It was easier to hide before HistoricVienna.com!"
October 28, 2006
Laine Hyde and Laurie DiRocco Backgrounds Comments (0)
We believe it is important to understand the backgrounds of local politicians in Vienna. Here are some backgrounds from assorted Vienna players:
Laurie DiRocco (PDF)
(316 Moorefield Road; $971,000)
Laine Hyde (PDF)
(230 Lovers Lane; $1,025,000)
David Miller (PDF)
(209 East Street; $657,690)
We will post their financials (stock, bonds, other real estate) once they are in.
October 19, 2006
Historic Vienna, Inc: The Town of Vienna's Publicly Funded Big Lie and Consummate Con Job Comments (0)
"Would you like lies with that?"
Read this letter (PDF) from Laine Hyde to Mayor Seeman. Yes, it sounds like a nice old lady showing off her community spirit, but reality is far different. Laine Hyde and Historic Vienna, Inc. have regularly abused the property rights of Vienna citizens under the guise of phony historic preservation.
We mince no words: Laine Hyde and Maud Robinson are both political cons. The whole notion that the Town of Vienna and Historic Vienna, Inc. actually preserve and or protect anything is simply a lie. Oh, you don't like such harsh language? That upsets you?
Consider some insights on what constitutes a "con":
"What does set con artists apart is the natural ability, often discovered at a very young age, to manipulate the people around them. Added to this is the fact that such manipulation leaves them without any feeling of guilt or remorse. On the contrary, it leaves them with an intense feeling of satisfaction - a particular glow that encourages them to continue manipulating to get whatever they want, regardless of the cost to the giver. They easily compartmentalize their different characters, victims, and on-going scams. If they cannot quite remember a fact (or lie), they can dance around the lapse so convincingly that you will seldom, if ever, notice."
Isn't that an accurate description of these people?
The proof of our statements is across this web site. The letter posted above from Hyde to Seeman is yet another great example of our point. The remarks in that letter about preservation are bold-faced lies. But at this stage of the game Hyde could care less what she says as long as she keeps power.
Better question? Do all the people below associated with Historic Vienna Inc. support the big con too? Are they as ethically challenged as Hyde and Robinson?
Officers of Historic Vienna, Inc.
President - Laine Hyde
Vice President - Shirley McCoy
Treasurer - D. H. Scarborough
Secretary - Anne Stuntz
Board Members of Historic Vienna, Inc.
Sarah Jane Brady
Michael Cheselka
Daniel Dellinger
Mildred Monahan
Rose Mulville
Maud Robinson
Daphne Sloan
Paul Snodgrass
Katherine Tugendhat
Christopher Vereide
You have to wonder if Hyde or Robinson will ever respond or will they just keep working behind the scenes to shut this site down all the while keeping their big lie going?
September 01, 2006
Laine Hyde Goes Off the Deep End; Can She Be Secured? Comments (3)
A Safe Place for Vienna Politicians; Can We Send Laine There?
Laine Hyde recently attempted to make a case to domain registrars that this site HistoricVienna.com and another were confusing web surfers who want to go this Town run site.
She referred to HistoricVienna.com as "Bogus Site 2" in her ultra-confident 3-page ditty. Surprising? No. Arrogant political schmucks under Maud Robinson's rule once tried to ban the video taping of public meetings.
Interestingly, Hyde who is not an attorney did her best in her complaint to seem very lawyerly. She wrote her complaint on Historic Vienna, Inc. letterhead asserting multiple falsehoods (i.e. saying the Town site has been online since 02 even though it was registered in 03). Since Historic Vienna, Inc. is owned and funded by the Town of Vienna, for all intents and purposes, this letter of complaint was written by the government. Does Steve Briglia, the Town Attorney, know that Hyde has taken over parts of his job?
Laine Hyde is a wacko small town politician posing as an attorney purporting to represent Town residents. If the Town of Vienna had any common sense they would remove her from the head of Historic Vienna, Inc. and remove her from the Commercial Architectural Review Board immediately.
The Town of Vienna does not need a public embarrassment. Hyde is headed toward an implosion that the people of Vienna should be not be forced to pay for. Please stop the madness and secure Hyde. Why is this person allowed to waste Town money on a whim? Is there any oversight? Does anyone care?
Or perhaps this was all organized by the Town to abrogate our first amendment rights and Hyde was just their goon enforcer. Stay tuned.
One final word of wisdom for Laine Hyde: if you are sick and tired of being described as a political horse's ass, stop acting like one and your problems will go away.
August 15, 2006
Laine Hyde Needs a Bath of Truth Comments (2)
Just like the Town Council and their idiotic attempt to ban the videotaping of Town meetings, Town busy body Laine Hyde is following a similar path. In her zeal to shut down the message here on this web site (a message that her attorney has already declared to violate Hyde's 'social standing') and on other sites that parody the Town government, Hyde is attempting to make a case of copyright infringement to have the truth censored. Bring it on Laine!
Laine Hyde 'Watching the Camera" at Recent ARB Meeting
June 06, 2006
Laine Hyde's & Paul Layer's Behavior is Gross Comments (4)
Laine Hyde and Paul Layer both sit on the Vienna Commercial Architectural Review Board. There are no rules to this Board. There are no guidelines. When you appear before Hyde and Layer they have the power to approve or deny applications for buildings or building modifications in the Vienna commercial district - based on however they personally feel at that finite moment in time.
Let us be clear. If you want to paint your building or sign blue or any shade of blue or whatever color, there are no rules. There is nothing that says one shade is better than another or that one color is better or worse than another. Taking that into account watch the seriousness in which Hyde and Layer question a business owner looking to use his trademark colors.
Video #1:
Video #2:
What is this all 'questioning' about then? Why do business owners have to appear before busy body politicians like Laine Hyde and Paul Layer only to be asked to make changes based on their personal view at that very minute? Why is Paul Layer not forced to base his questions off spelled out law? Does any of this make any sense?
Hyde wants softer colors...compared to WHAT? The code says nothing about COLOR. The other Board member wants less vibrant colors. Compared to WHAT? There is no baseline to 'vibrancy'! Why do Hyde, Layer and other Board members allow themselves to sit there and knowingly violate the rights of their fellow citizens? Should Paul Layer, who is handling a new building design on Church Street, be sitting in judgment of other business owners? If you were a business owner in need of architectural work, why would you use Paul Layer when he plays games with business owners' livelihoods across Town?
Footnote: After begging and pleading this business owner for softer colors or muted colors or less vibrant colors, the Board rolled over and approved the application with no modification. Why did they approve it? The applicant was Prudential and the threat of legal action was clear: deny our trademark colors when you have no rules and you will see us in court. Unfortunately, these people regularly abuse small business owners because they know the legal threat is not as strong. Helluva way to run government Maud and Jane!
May 21, 2006
Laine Hyde Wins Award Comments (1)
Best Fabricated Vienna History for 5th Year in a Row?
May 07, 2006
The Garden Club Government Comments (0)
Vienna Government and South Park Have Much in Common
Several years ago Laine Hyde had her attorney send a letter alleging that this site's statement that she was forced off the Windover Heights Board of Review was damaging to her "social standing". Seriously, think about that pearl from one of Vienna's most powerful politicians for a second. Does that mean no more to the front of the line at Magruders? They take away your library card? No more discounts at the Freeman Store? We digress... Whether Hyde was forced off or not is debatable, but she did leave the Historic Review Board shortly after the Mayor was told that residents of the Windover Heights Historic District could not sit on the Review Board ruling against neighbors. The notion that Hyde's so-called 'social standing' was violated reveals much about the "minds" behind Vienna government.
Vienna government is an interesting dichotomy. One side is the public face. The face that makes mostly retired government employees living on fixed incomes vote overwhelmingly for Maud Robinson's desires. These folks no longer look outside the four walls of Vienna, they just vote the false notion of "no change". Of course Vienna changes daily on its own with no direction or real leadership. Unlike many progressive communities across the country, Vienna is rudderless. Does anyone really believe Vienna, with its current leadership, would be #4 if it weren't for the perfect storm of geography? We are in the smack middle of Fairfax County! Vienna excels in spite of itself. All of that said, the Maud machine controls all, and until she and her voting block of fear-motivated octogenarians and nonagenarians are gone, stasis is the norm. This is not about picking on senior citizens either. Some in this community are very forward thinking, they just have no influence on government. The reality is we have reached a point where Maud and her machine's selfish short-term and shortsighted control of government does more harm than good. Yes, it might be nice to look fondly back to the 1950s, but the time has come for progressive thinking in Vienna government and we simply don't have it.
The other face of Vienna government is the 'behind-the-scenes-not-for-public-consumption' garden club mentality Yes, our government really is run like a garden club or sorority replete with its own caste system. Worse yet, these people have no ideas or visions. They simply want AND need power over others to make their lives meaningful. Remember back to high school or even grade school. Think back to the playground bullies who just wanted to control entry to the "clubs", not because they had a rhyme or reason in their beings, but just because they liked the ability to control other people, settle scores and dole out favors. This is the face that the old-time machine voters can't imagine. All they care about seems to be trash pickup and snow removal. They don't know Maud's "nasty" power hungry side even after all of these years. And for anyone who watched Robinson work the 2006 polls, "nasty" is an understatement.
The garden club face of Vienna government, however, has been exposed with this web site. It has been exposed to a degree that the "machine" finds awfully unsettling. Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel for those who do not want Vienna's dirty laundry hanging out in public. This site will go away into the night the moment the garden club antics end, but not one second before. What is the next step? How can more people be educated beyond the scare tactics of no change put forward by Boss Maud? How can some form of productivity be found? An email came in last night that puts much into perspective fighting the good fight:
"I would like to contribute more to this blog but perhaps on a different plain, and more in the spirit of bringing public opinion, awareness, and involvement to bear on improving Town government and the Town. I think this blog or similar mechanism could easily maintain its positive start, shed any early-on negativity, and expand to become more accepted as a means for public discourse over Town concerns. Of course, you may not have the energy for that long haul, but your initial/original work may lead to a subsequent effort... and there is still time now to shape that direction. I think you can assume that this blog is well and widely read, so there is an inherent responsibility to your readers even when it seems like nobody is really listening... they are and will continue to tune in so that demands quality programming."
This site is open for business and we appreciate your feedback. We will continue to expose hypocrisy, but we will also spell out concrete steps to a better Vienna on a regular basis.
April 10, 2006
Historical Politics and Race in Vienna Comments (1)
Why were the boundaries of the Windover Heights Historic District drawn in 1979 to exclude properties owned by long time African-American families? The evidence is clear of this exclusion:
1. Historic District boundary on Orchard Street drawn on white/African-American lines.
2. Historic District boundary on West Street drawn on white/African-America lines.
3. Original African-American school Louise Archer in NW left out of District.
4. New Union Baptist Church on Pleasant Street left out of District.
5. First Baptist Church on Orchard Street left out of District.
6. African-American West End Cemetery in NW left out of historic District.
7. African-American Sons & Daughters Cemetery in NW left out of historic District.
8. All deep-rooted African-American properties in NW Vienna on West Street, Orchard Street, Nutley Street, Malcolm Road, Highland Street and Lincoln Street were left out of the historic District.
9. West family home (on West Street) was destroyed in the 1980s with no preservation effort from Laine Hyde or Historic Vienna, Inc. The property was turned into multiple single-family homes. Below is a picture of the West family home:
West Family Home
Below is yet again a clear example of a border drawn on racial lines. The small brick house to the left (built in 1959) was white owned. The green house, African-American owned, to the right (built in 1900) was excluded from the District:
Orchard Street Historic District Boundary
Given that these two houses are contiguous to each other, what was the rationale for the creation of the historic district boundary?
March 25, 2006
Freeman Store Clubhouse & Den Mother Laine Hyde Comments (0)
Moorefield Demolition: Laine Hyde's Leadership in Action
The following comment regarding the Windover Heights Historic District was recently posted to the site. We repeat it here to make sure it is well read:
"This whole Historic Vienna, Inc. business seems to be a farce... an exclusive garden club hobby operating out of its Freeman Store clubhouse at Town expense. Who owns the Freeman Store property? Is this Town property? If so, how come only club members can meet there? And what does this club do besides sell crafts, display old stuff, and walk around their backyard "historic district"? What historic properties has this club identified and preserved since 1975... the Moorefield home that consumed countless manhours and tax payer dollars before being demolished? Nice work, Historic Vienna, Inc.! Do Town employees maintain the exclusive Freeman Store clubhouse? What does Historic Vienna, Inc. do with the non-profit funds they raise while operating off the good grace of Town tax payers? Where are their financial statements? How come their is no substantive content about Vienna history on their website... it's been 30 years... where's the preservation?... where's the history?... a death notice?... anything at all? Why are they using Town of Vienna e-mail addresses? Why are my tax dollars paying to support their IT overhead if they are an exclusive paying-members-only club? A historic district that has virtually no identified history, an exclusive club operating at Town expense... it's all as if someone is trying to fabricate a historic Vienna that never really existed. This all smells like someone's crafts project and small-town cronyism and and it's time to clean it up. Town government should get back to the basic functions of government and leave the garden club historical societies to the private sector."
The Freeman Store is owned by the Town. It is not located in a historic district. Who are all the players in the clubhouse?
President - Laine Hyde
Vice President - Shirley McCoy
Treasurer - D. H. Scarborough
Secretary - Anne Stuntz
Board Members of Historic Vienna, Inc.:
Sarah Jane Brady
Michael Cheselka
Daniel Dellinger
Mildred Monahan
Rose Mulville
Maud Robinson
Daphne Sloan
Paul Snodgrass
Katherine Tugendhat
Christopher Vereide
January 19, 2006
Paul Layer & Laine Hyde: Time to Go Comments (0)
Paul Layer and Laine Hyde are known supporters of the Windover Heights Historic District's Review Board (Hyde has served on that board and both live in the historic district). Currently, they serve together on the Vienna Commercial Architectural Review Board. These two boards have much in common. There are no specific rules. Neither of these review boards have objective standards or guidelines.
If you appear before these review boards you are at the mercy (or whims) of whatever a board member feels like requiring (or denying) for that particular night. If you are part of the club, it's smooth sailing. If not, you get delayed or denied. Unfortunately, these boards have become playgrounds for people who like to 'bully'. The video of Laine Hyde and Paul Layer shot tonight is sad. It will be posted soon.
Paul Layer:
Architectural Review Board Member and Historic District Supporter
January 02, 2006
Fast and Loose with People's Lives Comments (0)
Before the 2004 abuse of property rights here, the same abuse of property rights was seen in 1999 when the Windover Heights Board of Review, led by historic hypocrite Laine Hyde, denied a proposed new house. What did the house Laine Hyde and Frank Lillis work to deny look like?
Here are some excerpts from that now infamous (and still very relevant) 1999 meeting:
December 23, 2005
The 'Historic' Office Building Comments (0)
The office building in these 4 pictures (1, 2, 3, 4) in the red outline was in the Windover Heights Historic District from 1979 to 1991. It was built in the District in the early 1980s after the creation of the District. Another fine example of 'preservation'!
For comparison, Laine Hyde's 1995 new house (built and designed by Steve Bukont) is inside the yellow outline on all 4 pictures. Her brand new house is also in the Historic District.
If Hyde's house and that office building could be built in the so-called District, what can't be built? Did a house like Hyde's ever exist in Vienna 100 years ago? Was this the type of house built in 1850's Vienna Mr. Bukont? Or is that roofline a Victorian "flight of fancy" perfectly appropriate with our "carte blanche" District?
November 30, 2005
Historic Designations: Slight of Hand Comments (0)
Here is an excerpt from the proposed Town 2006 Comprehensive Plan. The Town of Vienna on this link states:
Vienna's Historic Properties:
1. Money and King Funeral Home: 171 Maple Avenue, West
2. Private Residence: 331 Lewis Street, NW
3. Private Residence: 223 Walnut Lane, NW
4. Moorefield House: 900 Tapawingo Road, SW
5. West End Cemetery: Lewis Street, NW
6. Freeman House: 131 Church Street, NE
7. Salsbury Spring
8. Original Vienna Library: Mill Street, NE
9. Moorefield Cemetery: Tapawingo Road, SW
10. Broadwater Cemetery
11. Bowman House: 211 Center Street, South
12. Private Residence: 211 Walnut Lane, NW
13. Private Residence: 309 Windover Avenue, NW
14. Private Residence: 720 Center Street, South
15. Lynn Street Cemetery and Hunter Cemetery
16. Vienna Railroad Station: 231 Dominion Road, NE
17. Private Residence: 200 Walnut Lane, NW
18. Private Residence: 308 East Street, NE
19. Knights of Columbus: 214 Lawyers Road, NW
20. Sons & Daughters Cemetery: Orchard Street, NW
21. Joseph Berry House: 200 Church Street, NE
22. Private Residence: 403 Creek Crossing Road, NE
Sounds great doesn't it? Historical structures in the Town! The reality? First Moorefield house was torn down. Second, the Town Council minutes of November 7, 1988 offer:
"Mayor Robinson stated an additional proposed amendment had been drafted and incorporated to alleviate fears which had been expressed during the prior meeting that the proposed ordinance might by implication constitute an official designation under the zoning code and thereby trigger the establishment of an historic district around the property. He state the additional language was added to Section 25-2, Intent, relative to this issue. Mayor Robinson stated that he proposed to add additional language to the last paragraph of Section 25-2 as a last sentence, to read: "Listing of any historic structure, site or place in the Register as provided for in this Chapter shall not constitute official designation as defined and used in Article 26 of Chapter 18, of the Code of Vienna."
Minutes from that time also reflect the following excerpt:
"Mr. Gionfriddo, Town Attorney, stated the proposed ordinance was an invitation on the part of the Town for people to voluntarily submit their names and addresses of their property if they choose; there is no compulsion of the part of the Town and no specific authority is required to invite citizens to voluntarily submit their names."
Apparently, for these people "voluntary" is well enough. Why not make any and all participation in so-called historic anything voluntary? What are the "rules" to be placed on the Register of Vienna Historic Structures, Sites and Places? Do you just get on because you want to be on? Please don't tell us that Laine Hyde and Historic Vienna, Inc. determine who gets on the "register"!
November 25, 2005
The Missing Laine Hyde Tape Comments (2)
Laine Hyde appeared before the Windover Heights Board of Review in 1995. Steve Bukont was Hyde's builder and appeared with Hyde. The Town tapes all meetings. Interestingly, the verbatim tape of this meeting is the ONLY tape missing in the historical record.
Why is this important?
During the meeting, Syd Verinder, then Windover Review Board member and now Council member, asks what the guidelines are for the Historic District. He is told there are none by Town planner. Here is an excerpt of the extremely edited minutes the Town saves in written form:
"Mr. Verinder asked Ms. Steingasser if she could give him a brief overview of what the Town’s appropriate standards are. Ms. Steintgasser explained that the Town really does not have a set standard, but rather looks at what will blend in with the surroundings at any particular location."
The Town has a bad habit of severely altering the tone and detail in their so-called "official minutes". We can only guess why this one verbatim tape is missing. Was this tape destroyed by Town officials to obstruct justice?
Here is the picture of Hyde's house before it was torn down:
Click to See Large Image
Since Hyde's house was essentially leveled, no one will ever know if there actually was any "historical significance" to the dwelling.
November 23, 2005
Laine Hyde, President of Historic Vienna, Inc. Comments (0)
Historic Vienna Inc. & President Laine Hyde publicly oppose boundary changes:
"The Board of Directors of Historic Vienna, Inc. have requested that I express to you their great concern over the petition by several individuals to withdraw their properties from the Windover Heights Historic District. The Board feels that removing any property from within the existing boundaries would set a precedent which could invalidate the historic district ordinance and have an adverse impact upon preserving the integrity of the District...We urge the Planning Commission and the Town Council to maintain the integrity of the Windover Heights Historic District and deny the application for withdrawal."
Laine Hyde, President Historic Vienna, Inc.
Questions about Hyde letter:
1. Does Hyde believe the removal of properties in 1991 set a precedent?
2. Does Hyde believe the addition of a property in 1998 set a precedent?
3. Hyde believes any further changes to boundaries would set a precedent different from 1991 and 1998? If so, please explain the new type of precedent referred to.
4. Hyde lobbied for the 1998 boundary change?
"In a letter to town officials, Historic Vienna Inc. president Laine Hyde said allowing the properties to opt out would set a precedent that could invalidate the district."
Sun Gazette Newspaper
November 19, 2005
Laine Hyde: At the Epicenter Comments (1)
Laine Hyde (230 Lovers Lane, NW) Has Been at the Forefront of Historic District Controversy
Laine Hyde, Historic Vienna, Inc. and Council Member Maud F. Robinson
Laine Hyde and Maud Robinson will go down in Vienna history as the two responsible for the destruction of Moorefield. Moorefield, unlike the Windover Heights Historic District, was actually something "historic". It was on the register at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. However, Hyde and Robinson led the charge to have the house demolished resulting in its removal from the National Trust.
Hyde and Robinson have both tried to spin that Moorefield was actually preserved. We have the pictures. There was no preservation.
Earlier when Laine Hyde (Laine Hyde is the current President of Historic Vienna, Inc.) sat on the Windover Heights Board of Review and approved 316 Windover Avenue's second application what guidelines did she and others use? What guidelines did she use to deny a new house at 201 Windover? What's the point? There are no rules. If you are a resident forced to go before this review board you go before people like Laine Hyde who make up the rules on the fly. And regardless of how many lawsuits Hyde threatens over this web site -- the truth is our defense.
Listen to the public record of Laine Hyde denying 201 Windover in the Vienna Historic District:
"My concern is only the appropriateness for the neighborhood. As Mr. Sloan says I don't think any feature, any, any single feature is any way reminiscent or evocative of the historic district or feels of a historic district. I don't have a problem with the size of the house. It is the mass of the house. I make a distinction between those two things."
Nothing Hyde says is ground in any law. She is simply foisting her personal beliefs upon another citizen. This man was forced to not build his dream home due to Laine Hyde and others.
