THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 31, 1995 TAG: 9512290302
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 11 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SERIES: 1995: YEAR IN REVIEW
LENGTH: Long : 158 lines
Community leaders were asked by The Currents staff to gaze into their crystal balls for a look ahead and also to engage in a little hindsight about 1995.
Here are their answers:
Mayor Gloria O. Webb
One prediction for 1996: A much-improved financial picture for the local government. We will be able to hold the line on taxes and fees.
The best of 1995: Without question, the adoption of the Vision 2005 Plan for the city of Portsmouth. I have never witnessed such positive energy and grass-roots participation between neighborhoods, citizens, businesses and local government.
The worst of 1995: Violent crime. While I am encouraged by Chief (Dennis) Mook's approach through the Neighborhood Enhancement and Action Team, the number of homicides must be reduced. A life is too precious to waste. Citizens, churches and businesses must work with the police to return safety to our streets and innocence to our children.
Councilman Cameron C. Pitts
One prediction for 1996: I look forward to empowered ``civic democracy'' for 1996. We will bring the appropriate people together in constructive ways with good information to create authentic visions and strategies for addressing the shared concerns of our community.
The best of 1995: The citizens of Portsmouth bonded together with their input and molded and adopted with Ray Gindroz the Vision 2005 Plan for Portsmouth to be able to move into the 21st century with energy and enthusiasm for our city's future image of greatness and hope.
The worst of 1995: The value of the sanctity of life sank to a record low in Portsmouth in 1995, due primarily to drug dealing and use by a few individuals who seem determined to destroy our city with robberies and murder.
Police Chief Dennis A. Mook
One prediction for 1996: Portsmouth's citizens, business owners and city government will come together as never before to create an unequaled force to drive crime and criminals from the city.
The best of 1995: From the police perspective, the creation and implementation of the Neighborhood Enhancement and Action Team (NEAT) program. This program personalizes the delivery of police services to each community within our city by putting teams of officers out to do problem-solving. This program affects the quality of life of all neighborhoods and has given city departments a focus by which to come together for the betterment of all.
The worst of 1995: The continued rise of violent crime in our city. Violent crime is a serious problem. Not just a police problem, but one that must be addressed with one cohesive public safety strategy by all facets of the community.
Matthew James, Director of Economic Development
One prediction for 1996: Portsmouth will lead the state in new private investment in 1996.
The best of 1995: Portsmouth experienced several ``best of 1995'' activities during the year. A few from an economic development perspective include:
PortCentre Commerce Park experienced new development activity for the first time in more than eight years as two firms announced plans to construct new facilities in 1996.
Downtown development continued to remain strong as with the opening of the Children's Museum, the TCC Visual Arts Center, along with several new retail establishments.
Vision 2005 galvanized community and business support in several corridors within the city and provided a framework for future community development.
The worst of 1995: Probably the worst of 1995 was that it had to end; however, 1996 will be an even better year.
Reginald Allen, president, Prentis Park Civic League
One prediction for 1996: Community policing throughout the entire city.
The best of 1995: Start of community policing in the Southside area.
The worst of 1995: Number of murders in Portsmouth.
Carlton M. Carrington, president, United Civic League of Cavalier Manor
One prediction for 1996: Citywide implementation of the Neighborhood Enhancement and Action Team program will greatly reduce crime, thereby making our city safer.
The best of 1995: Initiating the construction of a new I.C. Norcom High School.
The worst of 1995: High incidence of murders, coupled with the apathy and/or fear of the many law-abiding citizens to get involved.
Mary Curran, president, Midtown Portsmouth Association
One prediction for 1996: Continued excitement for our growth with our new city manager. We have a new direction.
The best of 1995: Vision 2005.
The worst of 1995: Lack of immediate funds for Vision 2005.
J. Brewer Moore, president, Hodges Manor Civic League
One prediction for 1996: City Manager Ronald W. Massie will fulfill his promise to provide an assessment, to the end of this century, of Portsmouth's ability to overcome David Rusk's warnings associated with population decline, a rising ratio of minority residents and a declining ratio of city/metro income.
The manager and City Finance Commission will agree on the critical message contained in this handwriting on the wall.
The best of 1995: Retention of a professional, financially independent city manager versed in struggles of the metro-core city. Massie is in a position to write new chapters in the future of independent-city status, Virginia's unique arrangement for local government, as it yields to realities of the 21st century.
The worst of 1995: On a 4-3 vote, City Council authorized construction of the most expensive public school in Virginia, an unwarranted $39 million high school for 1,800 pupils with five key elements deemed inadequate: auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria, stadium and library.
City Councilman Bernard Griffin's June 22, 1995, committee report was the pits, but it didn't seem to bother our mayor or vice mayor.
Joseph N. Nespoli, acting president, Waterview Civic League
One Prediction for 1996: Our city leaders will realize that to compete with other metropolitan cities, we must seriously consider merging with a neighboring city such as Chesapeake to establish a new municipality named ``Chesaport.''
The best of 1995: The best thing was when the school board returned our elementary schools to the communities.
The worst of 1995: The increase in crime and violence that has appeared to have gone rampant in Portsmouth. It needs to end.
Robert P. Sebrell, president, Siesta Gardens Civic League
One prediction for 1996: Although I would like to present a more optimistic view, I really feel that 1996 will be no better than '95; however, with the 1996 elections for four City Council positions, it is possible to make a good showing in 1996.
The best of 1995: Portsmouth schools have gotten some good recognition in 1995.
The worst of 1995: There are several possibilities. The latest is the closing of three streets through Waterview that the majority of the city's tax-paying citizens are forbidden to use.
Carleen Smith, president, Park View Civic League
One prediction for 1996: We will see actual things happening as the Vision 2005 plan comes to light.
The best of 1995: Passing the Vision 2005 development plan. It was handled really well. The community really came first. It was a real positive experience.
Also, we were the second neighborhood to get the NEAT police officers.
The worst of 1995: I was not pleased with the manner in which former City Manager V. Wayne Orton retired. There should have been a little more investigation on that and how the firemen's and policemen's pensions were being used. I think they're being abused and I'm not happy with that. MEMO: [For related stories, also see page 10 of The Currents for this date.]
ILLUSTRATION: Dennis Mook
Matthew James
Cameron Pitts
Mary Curran
C. Carrington
Gloria O. Webb
Moore
Smith
by CNB