THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 26, 1996 TAG: 9608230385
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 31 lines
As a lifetime resident of Norfolk, I have been listening for years to the debate about a light rail line for our area. I would like to see an accounting report detailing the money that has already been spent ``studying'' the problems.
One aspect of the situation that hasn't been considered is that for many people, driving is not an option. I have had panic attacks since 1981 and, as a result of these, I am restricted to my Ghent neighborhood.
I just spent a couple of days in the Washington, D.C., area and have seen how good it can be! The Metro system coupled with the bus system is a great deal.
I visited my niece who lives in Germantown, Md. I bought an all-day Metro pass for $5 and paid an additional $1.10 for the bus to take me from the Metro station to my niece's corner. I was able to explore the Capitol Mall area of D.C., Arlington National Cemetery and the Air & Space museum at the Smithsonian. What a deal! $6.10 for a full day of sightseeing.
To the city councils of Norfolk and Virginia Beach: Picture a station at the MacArthur Center, the Medical Center complex, Military Circle, Pembroke Mall, the Pavilion, the Oceanfront, the new ampitheater, Harbor Park and the Naval Base. Sure it will be expensive, but let's start spending the money on the construction of the system rather that the ``studying'' of the problem.
RICK STOAKLEY
Norfolk, Aug. 21, 1996 by CNB