THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 29, 1995 TAG: 9509280164
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
I am a 19-year-old Virginia Beach resident who attended W.T. Cooke, Virginia Beach Junior, First Colonial High and am currently a college student. In this letter I'm announcing my candidacy for City Council in the year 2006.
My goals for the city are: 1. Boost our economy. 2. Improve the beach the best way possible. 3. Keep the city of the past in many ways, by saving our farms and natural resources, but move the city forward. 4. Make our city more than just a tourist attraction.
Project one: Parking
My idea incorporates the main ideas of the city, also a few of my own.
Remove all meters, except north of Laskin Road. After removing the meters between Pacific and Atlantic, the spaces would be reserved for employees of beach merchants. They would have a sticker on their car with a number that corresponds with a numbered slot. Parking west of Pacific would be illegal without a permit.
Build parking garages, in seven prime locations around the resort strip. The sole purpose for the money collected by the garages would be to strengthen our educational facilities.
Build parking lots east of the Abyss on 19th Street to Parks Avenue between 17th and 19th streets. Have the shuttle services run between them and the strip.
This total idea would solve the city's parking problems.
Project two: A four-year college in the City of Virginia Beach.
Tidewater Community College is the prime location. With the current campus and the land that the city has granted, expand TCC and build the college on the same campus. The perfect example is in Fort Myers, Fla., where the University of South Florida and Edison Community College are on the same campus. We would need the help of our state legislators and our congressmen, but this would boost our city in many ways and give an educational opportunity to many.
Project three: Expansion of the Pavilion.
It needs to be connected with both of its hotels, the Radisson and the Quality Inn. The Quality Inn needs to expand itself upward, between 20th and 21st streets and along Parks Avenue. The Pavilion needs to have more convention auditoriums that would attach to both of the hotels.
Project four: Comprehensive Plan.
I fully support the current City Council's ideas for the Pembroke area, the amphitheater and the beach area between 17th and 21st streets. I believe one great addition to the beach area plan would be an ice skating rink, as in Rockefeller Center. It would be a full rink with a see-through, tinted roof. The idea is to be able to skate any time of the year and have the feeling of being outside. This would be great for both tourists and locals.
The following idea is one that the city cannot do alone and needs the public's help.
Hampton Roads needs a professional athletic team. People always say, ``Are we able to support a team?'' Of course, we are the most populous city in the commonwealth of Virginia. The Redskins are five hours away, yet they are many Virginia Beach residents' favorite football team. We citizens need to help our City Council fight for this type of project. It can be done and this is the time for it.
I would like to commend our current City Council for its superb job and service to our great city. There are so many things to do with your family in this city. Go to a Friday night football game as a family. Call up the closest high school to find out about upcoming events your family can attend. The city is already doing a great deal by building the new stages and parks at the beach, with all kinds of family activities scheduled.
Be a proud citizen and support our great city. I will see everyone on the campaign trail in 2006!
Christopher Felton
Virginia Beach by CNB