THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, November 29, 1994             TAG: 9411290008
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A14  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   41 lines

SOUTHEASTERN EXPRESSWAY IS UNNEEDED

I am neither a talk-radio naysayer, anti-development zealot nor nostalgic. I am, however, a concerned citizen adamantly against construction of the Southeastern Expressway. I believe I have spent more time studying the issue than the editorial writer (``Let the process continue,'' Nov. 18), including attending the Nov. 14 public hearing.

Unquestionably, public opposition to the project is overwhelming. If the facts were provided to the public, the project would be dead already.

For example, the cost estimates provided at the hearing were between $300 million and $500 million. The small print found in the $55 Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement indicates that these amounts do not include special environmental-mitigation costs. These are reasonably estimated to add an additional $250 million. The bond issue touted by your editorial would be repaid by tolls, currently estimated at $2 one way.

Similarly, the number of homes potentially destroyed was significantly understated at the hearing. The figures do not include homes recently constructed in part of Glenwood, Bentley Gate and other areas. Construction of additional homes in Hillcrest Farms will begin shortly. Besides further displacement of families, these new homes, many priced in excess of $150,000, will add significantly to the development costs.

The editorial is flatly wrong when it indicates that the Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife Service and Corps of Engineers support the project. A review of the impact statement shows the opposite to be true. This is because the environmental devastation caused by construction of this road would be immense.

Finally, there still is no clearly defined purpose and need for the road. The project is not needed, and there is little real justification for it.

RICHARD E. BIEMILLER

Virginia Beach, Nov. 21, 1994 by CNB