THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 23, 1995 TAG: 9507210217
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Long : 140 lines
The Portsmouth City Council's final vote on the proposed shopping center on the former Churchland High School site is at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Here is some important information which Portsmouth citizens need to know.
It was reported at the last council meeting that Dr. Thomas Muller, a nationally known economist, came to Portsmouth and did a preliminary report on the proposed development. His report stated that when considering a retail activity, it is crucial to distinguish between gross and net sales gains. He stated that the proposed supermarket is likely to draw most of its sales from existing supermarkets in Portsmouth. The report also stated that the proposed discount department store, Caldor, is a third-rate chain which does not have the draw of a Wal-Mart and is unlikely to recapture a significant share of the purchases made by local residents shopping elsewhere, particularly in Chesapeake.
Dr. Muller regards Caldor as not a strong discount competitor and one which is having trouble in northern Virginia. As such, he feels Caldor ``will not be a magnet to attract other retail activity,'' and ``given the weakness of both Caldor and Portsmouth retail trade, this anchor tenant may close its operation within two to four years following its opening.''
In other words, Portsmouth could be left with another MidCity Shopping Center, which would destabilize the Churchland retail area.
A Sweetbriar resident told the council that the proposed development has four times more asphalt and building area coverage than the former school. A site plan shows that almost all of the 33 acres will be either paved or covered by buildings. The developer's plan for dealing with stormwater runoff is to build approximately five grassy swales which will drain out to the back of the property and be discharged into the wetlands. Pollutant levels will ultimately increase in neighboring streams and lakes. Yet, the city has not provided an environmental impact assessment.
According to a Planning Commission report, the proposed development will generate 13,449 auto trips a day. This does not include existing traffic as a traffic survey was not done. Proximal residents from Westmoreland, Sweetbriar and Nottingham will have a difficult time accessing High Street since there are no stoplights at their intersections and no plans by the city to alleviate their situation. According to the report, there will be a backup at the intersection of Trucker Street and Tyre Neck Road at peak hours. No stoplight will be there either. A day care center and a funeral home near this intersection will have difficulty ingressing and egressing. The traffic delays will be immense.
On the strength of this information the council was asked to defer its decision until a study could be completed to support the best use of this property. Only councilmen Martin and Robinett voted to defer the decision.
The long term economic, environmental and social stability is at stake for Portsmouth. Yet we witness our elected officials blindly voting for a development without first considering the safety and welfare of its citizens and the future of the community. The citizens of Portsmouth should protect their investment by attending and voicing their comments before the council on Tuesday.
Dorothy P. Evans
Garland Drive
July 17, 1995 A gross distortion
As a result of his complete distortion of truth, I feel compelled to respond to J. Wiseman's letter of July 16.
As a teacher and coach in Portsmouth schools, I would like to assure you that education is the top priority in our schools. The fact of the matter, so grossly distorted by Mr. Wiseman, is that Portsmouth is progressing toward the most rigorous standards for athletic eligibility in the state of Virginia. By 1996, students will have to achieve a 2.0 minimum GPA to maintain eligibility. Nearly every other school system in the state determines eligibility in accord with the Virginia High School League rule that requires students to pass five classes per semester.
The thought that ``athletes run the educational system'' in the city of Portsmouth is completely ludicrous. The students who participate in the athletics are, in general, already higher achieving and better disciplined than their less active peers. The concepts and attitudes learned through athletic participation will enable these students to become better citizens.
It seems reasonably obvious that involving as many students as possible in educational activities outside the normal school hours is the wisest approach we can take. Perhaps in Mr. Wiseman's fantasy world all students spend all their free time studying and have no time to experiment with drugs or commit crimes.
Wake up! This is the real world, and the educators - including coaches - of the city of Portsmouth are hard at work in the best interests of the students. Climb aboard with us and become part of the solution, not a problem complainer!
Ken Taylor
Head Football Coach
Churchland High School
July 17, 1995 Limit medical fees
When it comes down to Health Care reform, I think it should begin with doctors and hospitals. There should be a limit on charges.
I recently went to a doctor and the office visit was $85 and a hearing test was $190. It seems very steep to me.
Doctors can charge any amount knowing our government is behind these charges.
I say they are ripping off the taxpayer.
There are many discontented people in this country. Any protest should be handled by writing your senator and congressman, letting them know how you feel about the issues.
Mary Morris
Lilac Drive
July 18, 1995 Pay our 'friends' more
I have a bad feeling about my city of Portsmouth treating our ``friends'' like they have.
Our firefighters and policemen are not being given the pay they need and deserve. They put their lives on the line every day.
I can always count on them to help anyone when they are in need.
They have helped me a number of times, and I am very thankful for that.
Come on, people, help our friends get what they need and want. Closing stations, cut services and jobs - that isn't helping.
The patient care has been very good over the years, and we need it.
Please come forward and help these people. The firefighters' ad ran July 7 in the Currents.
Alice Iman
Webster Avenue
July 9, 1995 Thanks for kindness
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Navy lieutenant who on June 22 at approximately 1 p.m. was driving on Crawford Parkway when a Jack Russell terrier named ``Max Ballentine'' darted from the median strip into the path of her automobile.
I greatly appreciate the kindness she demonstrated by stopping and finding me to advise me of the accident.
In the confusion and shock of the moment, I failed to get the motorist's name and address, but I wish to recognize the kindness she evinced towards my dog (and my friend).
Again, my humblest thanks and best wishes for a brilliant career with the Navy.
Kenneth G. Ballentine
Swimming Point Walk
July 15, 1995 by CNB