THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 13, 1995 TAG: 9508130261
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SHAWN M. TERRY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
The City Council voted Tuesday night to demolish the Leckie Street Bridge, a move that drew mixed reactions from residents of the two neighborhoods it connects.
The bridge between Shea Terrace and West Park View has been closed to motor vehicle traffic for several years, but it was still used for fishing and as a walkway for pedestrians and bicyclists.
F.E. ``Dutch'' Andrews, president of the Shea Terrace Civic League, said by removing the bridge, the neighborhood would be rid of pedestrians throwing beer bottles from the bridge. It would also deter individuals from robbing homes, hanging out and vandalizing.
Some residents also claimed that the bridge was unsafe - especially for children to play on.
Andrews said once the bridge is down, the neighborhood's view will be improved and more people will be able to use the water.
``I want the thing started as soon as possible,'' said Andrews to council at Tuesday's meeting.
But Park View and West Park View residents say citizens from all over the city enjoy riding their bikes over the bridge.
A city survey of residents showed more people want to leave the bridge in place than want to take it out.
Carleen Smith, president of the Park View Civic League, urged council not to tear down the bridge right now. She recommended that council consider deferring the issue until Ray Gindroz, an urban engineer for the city's Vision 2005 plan, discussed other options for salvaging the bridge.
Residents of the West Park View neighborhood also wanted to save a portion of the bridge for recreation purposes.
Council's decision to tear down the bridge was unanimous. They appropriated the $64,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund and Virginia Marine Structures Inc., a demolition company, was awarded the contract.
They could start within the next 60 days, according to Acting City Manager Ronald W. Massie. by CNB