Sen. Warner Urges Compromise on Civil War Site Development

Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va.) unveiled a compromise plan Thursday that he said will give Congress a cheaper way to block the development of a shopping complex adjacent to a hallowed Civil War battlefield.

Warner’s plan, disclosed before a Senate Energy and Natural Resources subcommittee, would authorize the federal government to seize a section of a proposed development site near the Manassas National Battlefield Site, about 27 miles west of the nation’s capital.

The site includes a hill from which Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee commanded troops in the Second Battle of Manassas, which historians have argued is the most important section of the development site.

Would Revert to Old Plan

The developer, John T. Hazel, also would be required to revert to an original development plan, which called for construction of housing and a small office complex.

In addition, Warner’s measure would close two roads that bisect the battlefield. He said the entire plan would cost about $60 million, about half of the estimated cost of a sweeping acquisition plan passed by the House last month.

“I just tried to strike a reasonable compromise,” Warner told the public lands, parks and forestry subcommittee. “I’m not sure how the President will go on this, but I am deeply concerned that if we pass the House bill and the President vetoes it, then we as a Congress can’t do anything until next February or March.”

Warner’s proposal comes in response to a House bill that would seize the entire 542-acre development site adjacent to the park, add it to the battleground, pay Hazel for the land, close two roads running through the park and assume part of the cost for new roads around the 4,200-acre park.

Veto Threatened

President Reagan, who said the House measure is too costly, threatened to veto it if it is passed by the Senate. Hazel, meanwhile, has been working to install sewer lines and clearing trees on the disputed site.

Opponents of the development fear that Hazel’s speedy construction progress is a strategy to move the project so far along that Congress will be unable to stop him.