THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, April 4, 1995 TAG: 9504040002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
I vehemently object to the proposed sign to be erected on Waterside Drive for the following reasons:
1. Waterside Drive is the welcome mat of Norfolk. Any sign will detract from the beautiful landscape which the city has worked so hard to preserve.
2. I am all for free enterprise, but let this company put up its electronic sign somewhere else in Norfolk other than Waterside Drive.
3. Aesthetically, Waterside Drive has become the Mona Lisa for the city of Norfolk. Do we want to put a bumper sticker on the head of Mona Lisa with the potential for more bumper stickers to follow?
4. Once you open the door and permit one sign to be erected on Waterside Drive, the city may not be legally permitted to close the door, thereby obligating the city to allow other companies to erect similar signs along Waterside Drive.
Let's hope Norfolk City Council does the right thing. One of the governmental agencies can help this company find another location other than Waterside Drivefor its electronic sign. The city and other corporations have invested tens of millions of dollars to beautify the welcome mat of Norfolk.
At a minimum, City Council should postpone its decision. The mayor can form a volunteer architectural and beautification review committee, to give its opinion within 60 days, regarding the placement of the sign, taking into consideration the best interest of the city.
LAWRENCE K. LAND
Norfolk, March 31, 1995 by CNB