THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 9, 1995 TAG: 9504070160
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 122 lines
Holland's quality of life threatened by business
What I witnessed when the Suffolk Planning Commission met March 21 deeply concerns me. The commission unanimously declined four requests for rezoning on Nansemond Parkway and one on Holland Road because of 1) proximity to homes and a school, 2) difficulty for people entering and exiting their property and 3) their quality of quiet rural life being interrupted.
However, when the request to rezone land for a cotton gin on South Quay Road (58 Bypass) came before the board, none of those issues was deemed a problem for the Holland area. There was also no concern that there is no manufacturing district in this residential area. Is a precedent being set here? If one is allowed, will there be more?
Families' quality of life being compromised doesn't seem to be an issue in this case. Shouldn't there be a trust created by these zoning laws? Homes and land were purchased, futures planned. How can the citizens place their trust in Suffolk city government? I feel the commission has failed to meet basic legal requirements of this city's own zoning regulations. Why won't our city officials carry these out?
Yes, we are a farming community. We accept the dust associated with farming. We thank God for our farms and those hardworking farmers and their families. We are very proud to live in this area and see the peanuts, corn and cotton growing in the fields surrounding our homes. But to have huge buildings and modules in former farmland, and equipment roaring beside homes 24 hours a day, four months of the year, is unconscionable.
Our sincere thanks to Commissioners David Sylvia and Freddie Bowen Jr. for their wisdom in voting no to this rezoning request.
The hundreds of citizens who have signed the petition opposing the location of this gin are now looking to our City Council for help. Please vote no to this request. Don't compromise hundreds of families' safety, health and quality of life.
Bob and Barbara Harrell
South Quay Road
Suffolk Will breathing become harder because of gin?
Dear Mr. Cotton Gin,
We are just a couple of oldsters. Between us, by our 1994 birthdays, we had chalked up 180 years.
We wanted to ask, do cotton gins have hearts? And, if you do, is it a hard heart (you know, like the politicians we hear so much about) or is it a soft heart (kind of like the old-fashioned way of wanting to do what is right?)
You see, we are troubled with some problems! I, especially, have a breathing problem, so would it be very much trouble for you to find a nice space, free from any homes that might suffer? We would be so grateful and really hope that you would prosper having a free conscience.
We hope that you have a soft heart, and we hope that you care, because we would want somebody to care about you, also, in time of your days as an oldster.
Fred and Irene Ninnemann
South Quay Road
Suffolk Pride and gratitude as church comes back
The congregation of Holland Baptist Church plans to worship in its new sanctuary on Easter Sunday morning. What an exciting time this will be! Even with the pews and organ yet to be installed, you would have to see the interior to believe its magnificent beauty.
But none of this would have been possible had it not been for the support of hundreds of donors who saw a need and responded immediately. As of this date, our restoration fund has exceeded $200,000. About 35 percent of this was raised within the church by yard sales, suppers, fund drives and pledges.
When added to the insurance that we were able to collect, this enabled us to pay all construction costs on a timely basis as well as replace most of the contents. As we assemble our final array of bills, it appears the church may have to borrow only a token amount of money, a miraculous feat considering the total reconstruction cost exceeded $750,000.
I will never forget a cold winter day, as I lonely sifted through the ashes, covered with snow, when a figure appeared in the blackened doorway. It was an elderly gentleman from Staunton who said he was just passing by and had noticed the roofless walls of our burned-out sanctuary. After talking awhile, he said, ``Here, please take this five dollars. I'm sure you will need it.''
Such has been the spirit of giving from people far and near. Churches of other denominations and races poured out their hearts even when heavily in debt themselves. To observe such communitywide willingness to put aside personal interests and give generously to this cause is to observe Christian grace at its best.
It is our prayer that this beautiful sanctuary will contribute to the enrichment of worship of Almighty God for all who will enter its doors.
You may be assured that this small congregation will not soon forget this sharing experience.
Steve H. Butler
Chairman, Board of Trustees Congratulate the people helping guide future
April 22 will be Girl Scout Leader Appreciation Day. Although this is one day set aside to thank all adults who volunteer their time to provide girls throughout the country a rewarding Girl Scout experience, parents/guardians, community and civic leaders should also express their appreciation, because the girls of today will be future citizens of tomorrow.
Colonial Coast Girl Scouts is one of 331 separate and independent Girl Scout councils in the United States. More than 16,000 girls, ages 5-17, are served by more than 5,300 adult volunteers. These volunteers have to take many trainings, spend countless hours planning, with the help of the girls, attend weekly Girl Scout meetings, transport girls to events, go on camping trips, participate in outdoor activities, be positive role models, help girls with badges, discuss various career opportunities, and be sensitive to all racial, ethnic background needs.
Due to the lack of support from some parents/guardians and the lack of interested parents/guardians to be leaders, this volunteer position can be frustrating. However, the benefits outweigh the negatives. To be an adult volunteer doesn't mean you have to have a girl in Scouting.
With all these opportunities, the girls learn leadership skills, they build self-esteem, learn to relate to others, develop decision-making skills, develop qualities of responsible citizenship, and become competent resourceful women.
The next time you see an adult Girl Scout volunteer or leaders with girls on an outing, maybe a smile or a word of thanks would be in order.
Dorothy Cogswell
Suffolk Girl Scout Service Unit 730 by CNB