THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 20, 1995 TAG: 9508180145
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Portsmouth has so much empty space. MidCity, Tower Mall and now, different parts of the city who face economic hardship because Portsmouth just doesn't have the economic growth such as other neighboring cities. This city is also faced with the new regional jail which will only compound city problems. Can't say the vice mayor didn't tell them so. My point is, could we (the city) use MidCity and/or Tower Mall for some type of economic growth? Where are our city planners or our city activity committees to work on some proposed developments? I guess everyone is sleeping on the job or the city doesn't care.
It's time to take a stand. City Council meetings should be packed every other Tuesday, but Portsmouth's citizens realize council members do what they feel that's in the best interest of themselves.
Why couldn't we build the regional jail on the 142-acre woodlands, wetlands that are located along the Hoffler Creek in Churchland? I don't mean to step on anyone's toes. Could someone or anyone answer this question for me?
Marvin M. Jones
Portsmouth
8/15/95 Give, but willingly
I must say this to the writer of July 16: ``No pay, don't pray.'' It is sad that this happened. There should be no pledges at all. God in his word asks for one-tenth of our income and he promises you blessings beyond your understanding if you give the tithe to the church to carry on his work in this world.
He also does not want it if you do not give willingly. You will be denying yourself many blessings if you do not give. Beyond the tithe comes the free will offerings that the budget cannot take care of. These are usually to help others in need or provide and care for the church building and property. God's word says to give your best to his church and to those who preach his word.
You should walk in the pastor's footsteps every day as he shares broken hearts, those who grieve, heartbreaks, troubled families and his heart breaks over and over and no hard working man or woman's work is nearly so hard.
Isn't it a miracle from God how well he takes care of those who serve him day after day?
This comes from one who has experienced what God can do for those who are faithful.
Nan Hoffler
King Street
Aug. 15, 1995 Ashe part of future
I saw the vote on putting Arthur Ashe on Monument Avenue. Once again, people let their emotions get in their way and they don't think about the kids and teens in Richmond and across Virginia.
Arthur Ashe's statue needs to be in Byrd Park, not with old generals. The generals are part of the past and Arthur Ashe is part of the future. I think Arthur Ashe would have been happy overlooking the tennis courts, where young people play tennis.
His statue would help young people, even young children who don't play tennis, inspiring them to excel in whatever they want to do. Young people need people like Arthur Ashe to help them get through life.
Who knows? There could be a champion playing at Byrd Park right now.
Michael Edwards
Porter Road
July 30 by CNB