THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 10, 1996 TAG: 9608100003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 34 lines
Regarding ``Growth strategy raises concerns'' (MetroNews, July 11):
I have been a resident of Chesapeake for the past 10 years and I am a lifelong resident of this area.
One paragraph alludes to $250,000 townhouses on the same block as $600,000 homes. This is not what is projected for the site. The proposal is for $90,000-$100,000 townhouses and up to $200,000 homes. Why would anyone living in a $200,000 home want row houses adjacent to them similar to those outside Washington D.C.?
Also stated in the article, Norfolk is looking at the same concept for East Ocean View. Let's be realistic. As a 50-year resident of Norfolk, I state respectfully that anything in East Ocean View would be an improvement over what now exists. The surrounding areas of this proposed project are in no way similar to East Ocean View.
Yes, we are concerned about the traffic, but more so about what could happen in the future. We do not need retail stores in this area as proposed. Small retail stores cannot survive because of the nearby malls. As estimated in the plan, more than 400 people will be working in the area, plus the 1,100 living there. I don't see any long-term value to the city, nor is this area similar to what surrounds Ghent.
Chesapeake citizens, especially in the adjoining area, should oppose this plan. The developer should build single-family homes similar to what now exists.
I and others will be around to oppose this project as planned.
WILLIAM GRAY JR.
Chesapeake, July 16, 1996 by CNB