THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 10, 1995 TAG: 9512080200
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
The City Council set the stage for development in the Suffolk-Windsor corridor by voting last week to participate in a Hampton Roads Sanitation District sewerage project.
Residential, commercial and industrial growth are expected along the pipeline - in Suffolk, Windsor and Isle of Wight County. However, stipulations by Suffolk exempt the city from paying any part of the $4.5 project until Suffolk allows developments to tap into the line.
Councilman Richard R. Harris, the only dissenter, said he was upset about how HRSD officials negotiated with landowners for easements for the line. Of about 116 easements needed, 100 have been bought.
A retirement village planned by United Church Retirement Homes Inc. and the proposed Indian Point subdivision, both in Suffolk; and an Isle of Wight industrial park await the line.
``We plan to be a major player in Hampton Roads,'' said Isle of Wight County Administrator Doug Caskey. ``This offers chances for future growth.''
Suffolk City Councilman Thomas G. Underwood said he applauds regional sewerage systems because they increase chances for development.
Construction of the Windsor line - running nearly two miles from Va. Route 10 to 460, and then to Windsor - will begin within six months and take another year to complete, HRSD officials said.
Windsor residents and developers seemed pleased with the vote. Residents petitioned 10 years ago for sewerage.
``When you get a lot of rain. . . , your washing machine may back up. From a health standpoint, the ground becomes more saturated,'' Windsor Mayor Robert C. Claud said.
Isle of Wight, which got a $445,000 federal grant for an industrial park near Windsor, awaits the first tenants. The retirement center and Indian Point subdivision will be before the City Council on Dec. 20.
``Many of us feel this will enhance the development of our community,'' said R. Leroy Howell. ``It's an asset for any city to have something like this.''
Suffolk, he added, has the oldest median age in Hampton Roads.
United Church Retirement Homes proposes a $25 million complex that will include a retirement mall, health center and 210 independent living units. Depending on the success of phase one, phase two will include a conference center.
Vice Mayor Curtis R. Milteer and Mayor S. Chris Jones said they had concerns about how future growth would impact city services.
``Growth has pains,'' said Milteer. ``The question that comes to mind is the cost factor.''
Sam L. Callis, a Suffolk resident who often addresses the council, said the city should provide sewerage for its own.
``We've got thousands of people in Suffolk who don't have sewerage,'' he said. ``I think that's something we should think about.''
Assistant City Manager William E. Harrell said the Windsor line is beneficial because Windsor residents and future developers will offset the costs to Suffolk.
Another HRSD force main is nearly complete. It runs along U.S. 17 in Suffolk to Smithfield and will serve Smithfield Foods. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Rural King's Fork Road will be affected by Suffolk's participation
in the HRSD sewerage project.
by CNB