THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 17, 1994 TAG: 9406160160
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: The Road Warrior
DATELINE: 940617 LENGTH: Long
The flier was actually an invitation to an informal gathering hosted by a few folks in the Cedar Hill neighborhood.
{REST} The gathering was held last weekend in a neighborhood park and its purpose was to gauge the response of neighbors about a petition drive to get the light at Strickland Boulevard reactivated.
If you remember, as part of the new Centerville Turnpike opening, the traffic signal at Strickland and Indian River Road was permanently turned off. That means that residents of Cedar Hill can't get into their neighborhood coming down Indian River Road by turning left at the light, nor can they turn left to get back onto Indian River Road heading east.
Right turns from Strickland onto Indian River heading toward the 64 on-rammps are still possible, but according to David T. Favire, a Cedar Hill resident, possible but ``impossible.''
Favire says the neighborhood folks are looking to get the light re-activated so that residents and rescue personnel can again use Strickland to go left or right on Indian River Road with the protection of a traffic signal.
The plan, concocted at last week's gathering, is to spend afternoons this week going door-to-door in the Cedar Hill neighborhood gathering signatures on petitions.
If enough signatures are gathered, Favire and neighbor Nony E. ``Eric'' Abrajano hope someone on City Council will pick up their plight and present the problem to council for action.
Rest assured, Road will keep you posted on the plight to re-activate the Strickland Boulevard light. This light was shut off because engineers said it was too close to the interstate exits and on-ramps, making traffic back up.
That's why the light at the new Centerville Turnpike and Indian River was added about three blocks down.
As for the person who dropped the flier off at the office last Friday, Road would like to say ``thanks.'' Sometimes a little extra effort is the difference in knowing what's going on in this city and not having a clue.
SNARLS OF THE WEEK
The following people called Road's INFOLINE number with their complaints.
Sharon Stine, no address given. I was just reading your article on the Centerville Turnpike changes. I agree with what they say, three stoplights in three blocks is a little bit much. The Founders Inn is getting so much free now. I mean, how much are we going to give them?
They could go down Centerville and make a turnaround and come out another way. The traffic's backed up now almost to the stoplight at Reon in the afternoon. They need to do something to make traffic go smoother instead of making more mess. And an extra stoplight, that's three in three blocks and there's one to turn over into the shopping center. Let Founders Inn fend for itself for a while.
RW: You're right, Sharon. The CBNers could take two different routes (aside from the Founders Inn light) to get out - old Centerville now called Regent University Drive or new Centerville.
According to city engineers the request for a light at Founders Inn was granted because CBN plans to begin construction on a road that will cut right through the CBN complex, dumping most of the employees at the Founders Inn light. The light, not yet working, will stay green for Indian River Road longer than for Founders Inn. In other words, the light will just flush folks out of CBN at the appropriate times and then should stay green the rest of the time for Indian River Road traffic.
Ruth Sheehan, Charlestown Lakes. I, too, am a disgruntled driver of the new Centerville Turnpike. What a mess! First of all, there's a huge bump my car drives over every day that's destined to throw the alignment off my wheels. There's no sign up informing drivers of the bump. You'd think this project could be done right for those who are already inconvenienced by this haphazard project. Thank you.
RW: Road dared to take a ride on new Centerville and there is a bit of a bump where the new and old roads meet. Engineers say they're not finished applying the final surface, but when they do (sometime this week) that bump won't even be noticeable. Pavement markings should also be applied sometime this week or next.
Don Witt, Cedar Hills. Another one about the traffic light there at Strickland. Road Warrior, it's really crazy. They've moved the traffic light there at Centerville and Strickland making it impossible, as you already mentioned, to go straight across or turn left. Pulling out to make a right turn off Strickland to get to 64 is dangerous.
It's a busy road, and there's an extra traffic light there that doesn't need to be there.
RW: Don, sounds like you and the neighbors all think alike. You ought to chase down those petitioners.
Rick, Larkspur. I just want to remind folks about watching out for ducks crossing the road. I was heading east on Indian River Road up at that new Centerville Turnpike entrance and luckily the light was red for Indian River because there was a whole family of ducks walking across the street.
It turned green when they were in the westbound lane and I'd like to compliment the lady in the white car for looking up over the hood of her car making sure all the ducks were clear before she started tearing down the road. Anyway just want a friendly reminder to folks to watch out for the little ducks crossing the street because they just hop out there and they don't look. Thanks.
Nancy Clements, Bellamy Manor. I hope you can stand just one more duck message. I don't think anyone has mentioned that ducks mate for life. Recently I saw a real sad thing on Indian Lakes Boulevard. A male duck was dead and his mate was just walking in circles around him. There are a lot of duck pairs at Indian Lakes because of the water, and I think people should be a little more aware of it and try to have some patience. Thanks, Road.
RW: Gee, sounds like someone needs to start a ``quack'' club or something.
Walt Doherty, no address given. What I'm calling about is the race track by Green Run High School on South Independence and also on Dahlia. I've called the 4th Precinct about three times about those people up there and nothing seems to be done.
Maybe you can get the police to come out and slow those cars down out there. Somebody's going to get hit and some day it's going to be one of those kids. Appreciate the help, Warrior. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your music.
RW: Walt, if Road could wave a magic wand and stop all speeders, Road would. But frankly, Road's low on power this week, so just keep calling the precinct.
Maybe if they get sick of hearing from you enough, they'll take action.
by CNB