THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 19, 1994 TAG: 9408180229
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KAREN WEINTRAUB, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
Nearly 100 Kempsville residents turned out Tuesday night to express concerns, fears and hopes for their borough.
Most of those who attended the Town Hall meeting sponsored by City Council member Louisa Strayhorn complained about traffic and other growth-related problems in their neighborhoods: the traffic flow - or lack thereof - on Providence between Kempsville and Princess Anne, the need for a traffic light in the Glenwood subdivision, the absence of adequate sidewalks around Kempsville High School, and concern about the path of the proposed Southeastern Expressway.
A 17-year resident of the Brigadoon subdivision said growth needs to be better controlled so that existing infrastructure is not overwhelmed.
``I believe that growth is good for the city. I believe that business is good for the city,'' he said. ``But think about the roads we have before allowing growth that has no infrastructure to support it.''
Other attendees complained about juvenile vandalism and graffiti; and several were concerned that the large-scale projects now being considered by council - including a new convention center and redevelopment of the Dome site - would lead to a tax hike.
Strayhorn, a consultant with the insurance division of Sentara, the Norfolk-based health care company, didn't provide many immediate answers, but participants seemed to enjoy having the opportunity to express their concerns. Strayhorn, who had promised during her recent campaign to hold regular town hall meetings, received warm applause at the end of the two-hour session.
Kempsville resident Barbara Miller said she came because she ``wanted to hear what other people were thinking.'' She said the meeting was a great idea, though she wants to see how the new council member will respond to the citizens' comments.
Strayhorn promised to get an answer within 10 days to all those asking questions and has scheduled another town hall meeting for Sept. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Kempsville High School, 574 Kempsville Road. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Council member Louisa Strayhorn
She sponsored the meeting
KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL
by CNB