THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 21, 1996 TAG: 9604190219
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Ida Kay's Portsmouth
SOURCE: Ida Kay Jordan
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
The other day I was talking with Portsmouth Planning Director Jim Gildea about urban trends across the country.
He made two points that really struck home in Portsmouth.
Gildea noted the trend back to trad-itional neighborhoods, and the movement to make schools and churches the focal points of those communities.
``Portsmouth never has gotten far from these things,'' Gildea said. ``There are so many roots in this city and such a passion for neighborhoods.''
This is good because Portsmouth's inability to spread out means we must recycle and build on what is here.
``Much of what's here in terms of physical development will still be here far into the future,'' Gildea said.
Planning consultant Ray Gindroz has based the Vision 2005 plan on that notion, choosing to use what is here rather than to superimpose theoretical notions over existing places.
Traditions are important in Portsmouth, and in this newspaper office we see many manifestations of that every week.
Last night, for instance, the Marable Bible Class of Cradock United Methodist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary.
As Dana Tyson wrote in a notice about the celebration, ``Fifty years of golden links, including Bible study, worship, recreation and service, have bound together those who have participated since the class was formed and named in honor of Peggy Marable.''
Peggy Marable became the teacher shortly after the class was formed in 1946 and continued her service until 1964.
The class started with about 10 young couples. Over the years, members of the class have contributed much to the Cradock community, much to be celebrated on this golden anniversary weekend for them.
But it is this sort of tradition, which is carried on throughout all of the Portsmouth communities, that shows the potential for the future of this city. Each community has strong people with a purpose, and it is important at this time that we harness all of that power toward a common goal.
The very fact that so many would be so loyal to a Bible class - or to any other organization - moves people like Gildea to note the deep roots in this city.
Naturally, this same loyalty creates some pesky problems for city officials. For instance, when the School Board decided to close Cradock High School, there was a lot of protest because so many people have such loyalties to that community.
But this feeling for community is exactly what will serve Portsmouth well in the future, Gildea said.
For instance, when Cradock asked the city to include Cradock in the Vision 2005 economic development plan, city hall listened. Although Cradock is not yet officially incorporated in the plan, planning consultant Gindroz already is working on some preliminary suggestions for the community.
Cradock was developed by the federal government during World War I to house Naval Shipyard workers. It has on Afton Square what is believed to be the first planned shopping district anywhere.
It has potential as a comfortable residential neighborhood as long as there are groups like the Marable Bible Class. But the city must step in and block any more deterioration in the area. In addition, people in Portsmouth must be made aware that we already have a start on the future.
They must see the older, less-glowing neighborhoods as assets to be made whole again.
Gildea would like to see more churches involved in the revitalization.
Maybe the Marable Bible Class could encourage them in Cradock. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
James Gildea
City planning director
by CNB