THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 6, 1996 TAG: 9606040097
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 83 lines
In response to the May 23 Compass article on the Gateway Project, I found it failed to address the hardships and concerns of the individuals truly affected, the residents who live adjacent to the project.
While the public sees an effort to beautify the site, the residents have to deal with not just an increase in noise but also low-flying aircraft over our homes day and night. In a 14-day survey I personally documented 94 aircraft over my home from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
In my 2 1/2 years here, I never had an aircraft fly overhead but as soon as the trees fell the aircraft came. They consist of Cessnas, Piper Cubs, Lear jets and U.S. Air commuter flights. Some of these aircraft barely clear utility lines. Other area residents have also noticed the increase. I have contacted the Norfolk Airport and the FAA many times over the months, receiving an ``Oh well, you live by an airport'' response from the FAA.
Although many trees were cut, very few, if any, will be replanted behind our properties, and remaining debris will be left in hopes that Mother Nature will cover it up. Where we once enjoyed looking at the trees, birds, squirrels and rabbits we now see auto traffic, runway lights and airplanes.
I have tried to be supportive of the project, donating my free time trying to help clean up, but as the original plans keep changing, at our loss, my faith in the project diminishes. While the Gateway Project may be nice to some, it has diminished the quality of life, property value and safety of others.
Patrick B. Matsumoto
South Lakeland Drive A memorable occasion
Our mother is a resident of Lafayette Villa. Therefore, we were invited to join the other ladies for a celebration.
As we entered the large dining area we found ladies seated at tables with pink tablecloths with lovely azaleas, and each wore a pink carnation.
Along with the dessert of ice cream sundaes and soda, we were entertained by Martha Collins on the piano with melodies of years gone by. Ms. Collins, a non-resident, often visits Lafayette Villa and her talent is always welcome.
As I glanced around, I took notice of the smiles and the softness in their eyes. It was a sight to behold. Some were clapping hands, tapping toes and voices lilted into songs of yesterday.
I would like to thank two ladies who really outdid themselves in their efforts to make this a memorable occasion for a special Mother's Day for the residents - Josephine Skinner, activity director, and Fannie Cunningham - and also those who helped in any way. They have my applause.
Kathryn Garner
Buckingham Avenue What a talented group
This letter is long overdue but my enthusiasm is just as high as the evening I attended the All-City String Orchestra Festival at Chrysler Hall. The Norfolk city schools hit the ``jackpot,'' having upwards of 200 young students on the stage at one time - playing beautiful music and with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of arising from an orchestra pit to play for an adoring audience.
It was a remarkable one-time opportunity, so congratulations to the Norfolk schools and the talented children therein.
Barbara Bishop
Huntington Crescent Get rid of alcohol
Drinking alcohol is not glamorous and should not be treated as such. Alcohol impairs your ability to think and slows your reaction time. Many children today live in households where alcohol is readily available. They grow up thinking alcohol is just a way of life, whether in the car or at home.
I believe any person charged with driving under the influence should automatically lose his license for a year and should be required to work a designated number of hours in a local hospital emergency room. There, the offender will see the broken bodies of the accident victims and the grieving families who come to identify their bodies. They will be able to see firsthand the seriousness of drinking and driving.
Alcohol advertisements should be banned. They tell the public drinking is cool, when in fact alcohol-related accidents are the leading cause of death for 16- to 24-year- olds.
Start a new slogan, ``Don't Drink - Get a Life.''
Jordan R. Shafer
Grayfalcon Drive by CNB