THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 4, 1996 TAG: 9602020189
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letters
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
Don't touch trees along Shore Drive
I would like to suggest that City Council members and concerned citizens drive along Pacific Avenue and Atlantic Avenue toward Fort Story at the north end of the Beach Borough. A good starting point would be Pacific Avenue and 17th Street and a stopping point would be the curve turn off to Fort Story as Shore Drive begins.
Compare the proximity of the utility poles to the curb and street (not to mention the increase in traffic, bar patrons, etc.) then drive along Shore Drive. Is there even one tree this close to the road?
Our tax dollars can be used more wisely. Have you considered underground utility lines versus tree removal and guard rails?
M.J. Harper
Virginia Beach
If you're going to get rid of trees on Shore Drive, get rid of guard rails - they kill. And how about those retaining walls on the highways?
I almost lost my family and myself because of retaining walls but, by the grace of God, I was saved. You people need to get a grip on your lives.
I grew up in the woods - not in this town where you can't breathe because there isn't enough oxygen. If you think chopping down a few trees will stop a bunch of drunks and a few egotistical teens from speeding, who needs a reality check?
Thank God when my husband is done in the Navy we can leave this place to get away from such ignorant people.
A. Hawkins
Virginia Beach
I have safely negotiated this beautiful stretch of Shore Drive for 35 years without mishap.
What is the annual cost of a police cruiser with radar and salary and benefits for a patrolman? Maybe, $100,000? Hire one to patrol the road exclusively and the cost for 10 years is less than for cutting the trees.
William T. Hawkinson
Virginia Beach
I don't think the city should cut down the trees along Shore Drive near the Oceanfront. Traffic deaths are the drivers' fault because they drink, and speed, and have races on that road. Cutting down the trees would not be fair to Mother Nature. Every weekday I ride along that road and it's beautiful to see the trees, but with them gone it won't be so beautiful.
Charlotte Howell
Virginia Beach
We have a proven solution to the tree problem on Shore Drive. Let's put up Christmas lights, reduce the speed limit to 5 mph and charge $7 a carload. This suggestion defies common sense, therefore would be approved by our City Council.
Patrick Gray
Virginia Beach by CNB