THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 14, 1995 TAG: 9505130122
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 95 lines
One of the great pleasures of living in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area was the foresight of community leaders over the decades in saving the lakes and the wetlands for public use. Numerous lakes, the entire lake front in the public domain, have both walking, jogging and bicycle paths. There are many picnic areas, grills and beaches.
Vast numbers of citizens make use of the lakes and parks. I have even seen fishermen in business suits dropping a line off of a pier in Lake Calhoun, not so far from downtown Minneapolis.
About three blocks from our former home in Bloomington, there was a lovely small lake, full of cattails and water lilies, surrounded by a delightful walking path. It was a quiet place, frequented by walkers who also enjoyed all the birds and animal life in the area. Nearby was Highland Park Preserve, a vast acreage covered with hiking trails, a ski area and many deer. The banks of the Mississippi River, as it wanders between Minneapolis and St. Paul, are, for the most part, available for the enjoyment of the people. The city jails most certainly were not built on this prime recreational property!
The point is that the quality of life in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area is greatly enhanced by the way that lakes and wetlands are protected, cherished and made use of for the public good.
I understand that a beautiful parcel of land located in the area of River Shore Road and Twin Pines Road has become available for the use of the city of Portsmouth and the welfare of its citizens. Ours is a lovely small city with many positive aspects; however, we are not overwhelmed with parks, hiking trails and the like. The riverfront is covered with homes, commercial establishments and, of all things, city offices. Relatively little of it is for recreational use.
If the tract in the northwest section of the city is still available for the city's use, I would hope that our leaders would have the foresight - and the commitment to the public welfare - to snap it up for educational and recreational use. Nature paths making it possible to enjoy and appreciate wildlife and the wetlands would be a great asset to our city. In the same way that children can have an exhilarating experience at the Children's Museum, they can learn to grow by experiencing the unique tract of land.
Ours is, we all know, a city in need of rejuvenation. We need new business so that we can do more of our shopping in the city in which we live. We certainly need to continue to build houses for the purpose of enhancing our tax base. But there is a definite lack of foresight if it is the intention of some to see that every last piece of buildable land in Portsmouth has a house or business on it. We need green space - parks, recreation areas - natural environments that welcome birds, animals and insect life. Perhaps just the right opportunity is there for us right now!
Kenneth W. Bryant
Briarwood Lane
May 4, 1995 Thanks for helping
I want to thank all the people involved in assisting the victims of the recent storms in Portsmouth: the Fire Department that evacuated over 90 units in less than a half-hour because of ruptured gas lines and downed power lines; the city Police and Sheriff's departments in securing the neighborhoods; the Public Utilities and Emergency Services for removal of trees and debris; Salvation Army, Red Cross and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team in damage assessment, preparing and serving over 200 meals and coffee around the clock for the workers; and private businesses that responded quickly and efficiently.
It was most encouraging to see the community coming together to meet human needs in time of emergency.
The disaster management of Portsmouth is to be commended.
Tom Potter
Portsmouth Police Chaplain
May 8, 1995 Aiding elderly couple
Recently, there was a fire in Portsmouth that left an elderly couple temporarily homeless. Neither was hurt physically, but think of the mental impact of seeing their home of 42 years in flames?
The estimate to repair the damage done by the fire was higher than that of the appraisal on the house itself! The couple have decided to repair the damage so they can once again call this place home.
A few days ago, the couple's niece called Century 21 Century Realty where my father is the broker and owner. He and I not only work there but own property that is managed for us.
Luckily, one of my father's properties was available just a block or two away from their home. We were very happy to help them and let them move in right away.
Now that they have a place to stay they can rest a little easier. It's just one thing less that they have to worry about, and at ages 79 and 93 that can mean the difference between sleeping at night and worrying themselves sick.
Andrea V. Martin
Western Branch Boulevard
May 4, 1995 by CNB