THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 6, 1995 TAG: 9508050076
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Opinion
SOURCE: BY ANGELA M. SAY
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
As a citizen of this fine city, I am totally amazed by what the proponents of adequate public facilities think the public wants. I'm a member of the public, and I feel that this kind of thinking is what is hindering our ability to achieve adequate public facilities.
The opportunity our city has to promote its growth should be cherished. We should seize the opportunity while it's available.
So much of what is said compares us to Virginia Beach. I lived in Virginia Beach during its growth period, and I loved it. This growth eventually prompted top-notch educational and sports facilities, which my entire family got to enjoy. Also, my taxes remained constant. Why? Obviously because of the increase in tax base, not only from the residential growth, but also in part from the businesses that this residential growth spawned.
Not only does this growth in residents and businesses increase our tax revenue and keep our residential property taxes stable, but it also provides employment for the citizens of our city.
Much has been said about portable classrooms at public schools. I've heard this argument at City Council meetings. Wake up, citizens! Portable classrooms can be an advantage to us. As in Virginia Beach, these portables allow the city to assess demographics according to how the city grows. These classrooms provide the ability to adjust to peak loading anywhere within our city. These loads are constantly changing. Otherwise, expensive permanent school buildings that absorb lots of taxpayers' dollars would be sitting idle as growth patterns of residential properties with school-age children changed.
Sure, we the citizens might have to suffer through some growing pains. However, we must have the foresight to see that growth provides an economically sound city with an unparalleled lifestyle.
If we're a city, let's grow like a city. MEMO: Ms. Say is a resident of Crooked Stick Crossing in Chesapeake.
by CNB