THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 19, 1995 TAG: 9505180267
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
It is with no surprise that I read about the Chesapeake Central Library's ``problem'' with nesting northern flickers (``Flicker: No friend of the library,'' May 12). However, I feel the ownership of the true problem belongs to the northern flicker, not the Chesapeake superintendent of parks and recreation.
The northern flicker is listed as a threatened species and is protected by federal law for a reason. As the Tidewater area continues to push urban expansion over the rich natural resources of this area, indigenous species displaced from their habitat will continue to suffer.
Councilman John E. Allen apparently has the same respect for nature and preservation as M. Kirby Burch, Virginia's director of conservation and recreation. It certainly would be easier to just slaughter the threatened species, rather than to consider the responsibility we all share for providing an adequate habitat for the species whose land we encroach upon every time a tree is felled in the name of economic growth.
Perhaps providing these ``unwelcome'' flickers with proper nesting boxes would provide the needed alternative to protect the library from damage. Imagine the educational opportunity this would provide the children and residents of Chesapeake when, each time they visited their public library, they saw a wonderful example of environmental responsibility to cohabit with the world in which they live. What messages are patrons currently receiving, as this threatened species is labeled ``unwelcome'' and may soon be harassed by recordings of gunshots? If the northern flicker has chosen the Chesapeake Central library as a nesting site, the city should seize the opportunity to offer these beautiful birds a welcome home.
The northern flicker is an appreciated visitor to my backyard feeders and nesting boxes. Councilman Allen is welcome to visit anytime, but I will have to ask him to leave his shotgun - real or imaginary - at home. If he would like to shoot birds, I suggest he obtain a Virginia state hunting license and take aim at sporting species such as mourning dove or quail.
James A. Scofield
Homestead Drive Deep Creek growth
On May 24, a site plan review will be presented to the Planning Commission for a 120-unit apartment complex to be built on Mill Creek Parkway located in the Mill Creek-Elmwood Landing single-family residential neighborhoods.
The developer's agent invited the residents of Mill Creek and Elmwood Landing to an informational meeting on May 8. Many of the residents attending this meeting voiced strong opposition to this project. Major concerns were the impact on property values, traffic, school overcrowding and strain on city services.
It was stated at this informational meeting that the land proposed for the apartment complex was zoned for multi-family dwellings in 1973. Today's City Council frequently reminds the citizens of Chesapeake that many of the residential communities recently developed are a result of actions of past city councils. However, today this is the council we elected and look to for solutions to our overcrowded roads and schools and supplying services to the existing and future residents of the city.
In closing, I ask the City Council what plans are in place now or scheduled to be implemented in 1995 to manage the rapid growth that is under way in Deep Creek?
Claire McCleery
Elmwood Landing by CNB