THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 25, 1995 TAG: 9506240078
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Long : 130 lines
Reading staff writer Toni Whitt's June 7 story on Portsmouth's property taxes, reminded us of the fable: ``The Emperor's Clothes.''
The article carefully explained: ``. . . that the city has acquired the ability to charge for auto niceties; that it wasn't Portsmouth's fault. The blue book raised its values; manufacturers have increased prices; used vehicles prices are up considerably; and city automation are the reasons for the hefty tax bills.''
Now after that explanation, all intelligent taxpayers should gratefully pay their taxes. Only the feeble-minded would fail to see the city's reasoning.
Well. . . we see the Portsmouth taxpayer as an endangered species, unless the citizens insist upon some common sense taxation.
Robert H. Rogers
Bernice Rogers
Orleans Drive
June 10, 1995 Where's John Dixon ?
We are in the process of doing some remodeling on our home. We tore up a section of our sidewalk and steps, recently. We found a set of dog tags.
I would appreciate any help anyone could give me in trying to locate the owner of them or a family member.
They could be of sentimental value to someone. The information on the tags is as follows: Dixon, John T., 33850816 T44 A.
Donna Belcher
Redgate Drive
June 14, 1995 Collins fueling fires
Maybe what Norfolk City Councilman Herbert Collins says is true, but it doesn't apply to everyone in public housing. I, for one, live in public housing in Portsmouth and am soon to become a homeowner.
His statement should have been made at a job training conference or self-esteem course. White people already perceive us as unchurched, undisciplined, uneducated and untrainable.
The remarks fueled the always burning fires. They demand an apology since your livelihood depends on these kind of people.
I would not purchase anything from his store because the prices are probably two or three cents higher than Food Lion or other stores.
Barbara Cooke
Dale Drive
June 19, 1995 Excited by Andrews
I was very excited to learn that Dutch Andrews is challenging Ken Melvin for the House of Delegates race. The differences between the two is very clear for voters.
Andrews has been a civic leader for many years and could bring new ideas to help people in Portsmouth. Andrews could also bring jobs and a better government to the area.
Ken Melvin at one time was a very effective legislator but spends more time now with Riverboat gamblers than the people of Portsmouth.
I hope my friends will vote for Dutch Andrews in November.
Fred Foreman
Chowan Drive
June 18, 1995 Enough empty stores
For 20-plus years, I've watched the city of Portsmouth slide backward. Maybe if we had more people like Mr. Leon and citizens who would picket, the Planning Commission and City Council would listen to the people's voices. They are not doing it now.
Portsmouth does not need an
other supermarket or discount store or another shopping center to fall into disrepair. The investors in MidCity and Tower Mall have good tax write-offs. Mr. Leon keeps up his center even with discounts on the rent. Do you want him to go under, also?
Yes, Portsmouth needs additional tax revenue. But can't we obtain it by developing the old Churchland High property with condominiums or some type of senior housing? Let's keep one road to the city a pleasure to drive through. We don't need another empty parking lot 10 years down the road - even though some on the Planning Commission may welcome it in their back yard.
Mary E. Micklos
Replica Lane
June 18, 1995 'Full Deck' wonderful I encourage everyone to visit the wonderful exhibit, ``Full Deck,'' at the Arts Center in downtown Portsmouth. This exhibit features art quilts done in a variety of styles to reflect the artist's choice of a playing card.
The exhibit is sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution and is being shown in only a few areas of the country. I noticed on the guest register list that one couple came from Boston to visit the show.
``Full Deck'' will be in Portsmouth until July 4. Don't miss it!
Debra L. Moore
Meadowview Road
June 19, 1995 Don't disturb the refuge
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Refuge is the name suggested for the Twin Pines Road borrow pit property because it really fits. Hoffler Creek and its tributaries form the west, south and part of the east boundaries of the property.
The city is facing a problem of what to do with the land. The state will donate it to the city for $1 with the stipulation that it remain a wildlife refuge. A very few, but powerful, politicians see large gain in the short term by the state selling it to a housing developer.
Everyone who tours the site quickly notices the quiet of the place - except for the birds singing. In the center of the property is a 32-acre clear blue deep lake surrounded by 110 heavily wooded acres. Over 100 species of birds, some on the endangered list, use the area. Deer and other woodland animals make this small tract their home.
If this property is sold to developers, most of the birds and wildlife would be forced out. The woods on the shores of the lake would be minimally wide enough for access roads and small building lots. The forest would have to be stripped to build, as was done in other Churchland subdivisions.
Because it borders on Hoffler Creek and its tidal wetlands, much of the land would come under the Chesapeake Bay Act. . . .
Colleges and universities in the region are very interested in how this area will develop as a refuge, and preliminary plans already are under way to develop academic projects at the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Refuge. Schools already are planning field trips. The refuge could be linked to the Children's Museum. It would benefit all of Hampton Roads.
A public hearing on this issue was postponed until 7 p.m. July 12. Please attend and support this project.
Jerome A. Nickerson
River Shore Road
June 21, 1995 by CNB