THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 18, 1995 TAG: 9505170267
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Speaking as a former Virginia Beach resident whose family still resides there, I wonder will the city never learn? Look at how it is trying to keep Oceana Naval Air Station open because of its positive effect on the economy. Remember when the city was encroaching all around Oceana, e.g., Lynnhaven Mall and the Radisson Hotel, despite base commanders telling them it could be dangerous if a plane crashed?
Now, being greedy again, Virginia Beach is complaining about recreation for our military at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base because it thinks a temporary stage on a golf course would hurt the new proposed Virginia Beach amphitheater. If perhaps this is true, maybe City Council should take a hard look at this amphitheater if its concept is so weak it can't stand up to recreation for military families.
What would happen to the economy in Virginia Beach if the Navy decided that Little Creek was no longer welcome in the community or if it were closed by the Base Realignment and Closure commission? If our military members lay their lives on the line for us, isn't a little recreation the least we can do for them?
Wake up, Virginia Beach, and see where your priorities lie, or maybe in a few years you may be in competition to keep Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base.
BETTY R. JACKSON
Norfolk, May 6, 1995 by CNB