THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, April 30, 1995                 TAG: 9504280212
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS      PAGE: 06   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Editorial 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   29 lines

WOODLANDS AT STAKE HEAR ENVIRONMENTALISTS

The city should lose no time in honoring the request of River Shore Road residents and other environmentalists who want to meet with City Council to discuss ways to preserve a 142-acre tract of natural woodlands in the Churchland area.

Randi Strutton, speaking for the preservationists, told City Council members Tuesday that the citizens group has ``information and strategies'' to save the natural wildlife habitat.

The city turned down the property when it was offered as a gift from the state, which now has accepted a bid from a Virginia Beach developer. The deal will be closed in June unless something happens to change the course of action.

Mayor Gloria Webb called the citizens' request ``reasonable'' and asked for the public work session. Time is running and, if the meeting is going to be more than a political token, it must be scheduled quickly. by CNB