By Ernest and Lynn Ackermann
We have an Auxiliary Dwelling Unit (ADU) on our property. It has existed for several years, long before we bought our current house. From what we know about its history it has been used as a creamery, a living space for the dorm mother when the house was a dormitory for students at Mary Washington College, a garage with an apartment above, an office with an apartment and now we rent the space as apartments. Our ADU enables us to provide affordable housing for two people within walking distance of UMW, Eagle Village and many local businesses. As we age we feel the ADU would be a very good place for a relative or caretaker to live to assist us. Both we and the people who are in the ADU feel comfortable helping each other when help is needed.
We see the ADU as a benefit to us, the people who live there, and our neighborhood. We feel fortunate to live in our neighborhood because of our neighbors, the size of our property, and our proximity to downtown Fredericksburg and other businesses and restaurants on Emancipation Highway. We feel strongly that allowing installation of new ADUs would be a benefit to homeowners and those who live in the ADUs.
Ernest and Lynn Ackermann are owners of an ADU and residents of Ward 3.
