THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 24, 1995 TAG: 9512220203
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
On Centerville Turnpike at its intersection with Land of Promise Road, where the city is planning a realignment, there is a reverse ``S'' curve that has been the single most dangerous stretch of road in Chesapeake during the past five years, having to its record more than 25 accidents, including two fatalities and three disablements.
The realignment would remove the bends at this juncture of the road and make the road straight. This would make the road safer for drivers and for children who live in the area.
On many mornings I have watched children lined up to catch their school buses, only to cringe as someone came around the bend too fast.
I have two small children of my own, and they are not allowed to play in their own yard because most of the northbound accidents wind up in my front yard.
Both of the alternative plans that would straighten out the bend will mean that my house will have to be purchased for this to happen. If, to ensure the safety of children, I must lose my house, so be it. I would rather do this than have to stand graveside for one of mine or my neighbor's children.
The safety of people and property must be the No. 1 consideration. You can plant new trees. You can find a new house. But just try to bring back the life of someone you love. It can't be done.
Eighty-five percent of the accidents on this road, including the fatal ones, have involved people who live within a 10-mile radius and most likely travel it every day. You can lower the speed limit, post more and larger signs, and all the warnings you like, but you can't make drivers lift their foot off the gas pedal or pay heed to the signs.
R. Pafford
Centerville Turnpike South Save neighborhood
Concerning the S-curve realignment possibilities proposed at the intersection of Centerville Turnpike and Land of Promise Road, I trust City Council will not pick the alternatives which would destroy the Woodmont Drive neighborhood.
The families located on this road have been here the longest of the surrounding neighborhoods potentially affected by the road improvements. It's not proper that these folks may now to lose their homes because of some foolish driving habits of people who travel Centerville Turnpike.
I am for either improving the existing alignment (banking the curves, lowering the speed limits in conjunction with flashing lights, moving the school bus stop, perhaps even a speed bump if necessary), or realigning the road to nearest the railroad tracks to bypass the neighborhood.
City officials, please listen to those residents who have been here for some 30 years.
Robert Parker
Battlefield Boulevard South Paving green space
When we heard the news about the proposal at the intersection of Centerville Turnpike and Land of Promise Road, we knew Chesapeake City Council and the Public Works Department were at it again. Evidently, they won't be happy until every inch of green space is paved over with cement. We need trees to provide oxygen for us.
Changing this proposal to one that will impact fewer people is the best route to take on this problem. Surely these city officials can understand that. Find a way through the empty field around this curve. Don't destroy the Woodmont neighborhood, but go around it.
There are no homes on one side of Centerville Turnpike because of ``air rights.'' Doesn't this seem the logical way to go? Even though it may make the road long, it isn't necessary to upset these people's lives.
Surely the city can come up with a better idea of this curve!
Gail and Mike Harris
Indian Creek Road by CNB