The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Friday, January 19, 1996               TAG: 9601170091
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER       PAGE: 02   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Medium:   68 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - CHESAPEAKE

Preserve the homes

I am concerned about the correction of the dangerous curve located at the intersection of Centerville Turnpike and Land of Promise Road. This project is pending before the City Council, and eight alternatives have been suggested for its improvement. I feel that Alternates 7 and 8 are the best ones to consider, since neither one displaces anyone or renders his or her property less marketable and thereby less taxable. Either alternative seems to be an easy solution to a problem that has existed for many years.

Safety measures must be put into play, namely ``dangerous curve'' signs with flashing warning lights placed a bit farther down the road away from the curve so that drivers would be aware sooner and make allowance for the same. Lower the speed limit from 55 miles per hour to 45 mph in the less than one-half mile stretch on Centerville (from Woodmont north to Murray) and also on the southern side of that curve. Also install road bumps that would alert drivers who would be traveling too fast or even under the influence, and any other measures that would keep accidents to a minimum.

It is not the curve that causes accidents; it is drivers who are not paying attention.

The people on Woodmont Drive who have lived here for 30 years or more are retired or planning on it soon, and have been looking forward to this wonderful time in their lives by lovingly improving their properties both structurally and in their landscaping and recreational areas.

There is no way any major development or other drastic changes can be made in this area in the foreseeable future because of the air rights, so it would behoove City Council to vote for the one that will save homes and property.

Elithe U. Armstrong

Centerville Turnpike South Vote in 1996

With 1996 now upon us, I would like to ask many of my friends, neighbors and family to make sure that voting in every election becomes a New Year's resolution. As one of the individuals involved in the December Chesapeake School Board election, I was like many who were disappointed that only one in 10 citizens decided to get out and vote.

There are numerous people aware that this year is going to give voters the opportunity to choose a president of our country. Chesapeake voters may not realize that in May they can vote to elect a mayor, City Council members and School Board members. They can also vote on the performance of Congressman Norman Sisisky in November. These seats are just as important as electing a president.

So, if you are not registered to vote, please register this year. If you are registered to vote, please make sure to vote in every election this year. Your vote can make a difference in Chesapeake.

I would invite every person to get involved in the political process. Anyone between the ages of 15-40 can participate in Chesapeake Young Republicans.

There are so many people who have an opinion about the government, but there are not many people who actually do something about it. In 1996, make sure that you have an impact on the government in Chesapeake and in Washington, D.C.

Ken Robol

President

Chesapeake Young Republicans

Amherst Court by CNB