THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 20, 1995 TAG: 9510200014
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
As I looked over the waterfront from Waterside recently, I wondered how many of those bashing our City Council and Nauticus can possibly realize the progress our city has made in the past 20 years.
The Beach-building program at Ocean View, the clearing of the crime-prone areas, our great symphony, our opera, the Virginia Stage Company, new hotels, office buildings, our world-class museum and our baseball park come quickly to mind. The new downtown community college is an exciting prospect for all of us.
As I drive through Park Place, I see the blocks improving week by week (with wonderful community involvement). Pride is returning to the area there.
Most cities (including Virginia Beach and Portsmouth) are subsidizing their museums (with little dissent). Nauticus must have city support but also citizen support. How many of those protesting have bought a ticket to Nauticus to see for themselves?
There was a report recently on the opposition to and trials and tribulations of the Superdome in New Orleans and how dramatically things have changed.
Can't the newspaper and other news media be less negative - almost rejoicing in the bad news?
It took many years, lots of money and much dedication (with much help from Walter Chrysler) to make our museum what it is today.
Thank goodness our City Council voted to help our newest venture when it needed it most.
SUNNY WILLIAMS
Norfolk, Oct. 5, 1995 by CNB