THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 23, 1996 TAG: 9606210176
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 69 lines
``Ida Kay's Portsmouth'' column in the June 14 Currents quoted Councilman Jim Hawks as stating that Scotts Creek mud flats are not natural and I would have to agree. However, over the decades, the creek, including the mud flats, has become naturalized as a shallow tidal creek. And, in my opinion, it should remain thus.
Hawks said that he would ``... like to see us restore the creek to its natural state by removing all that silt.'' At one time the southwestern-most branch of the creek extended south past High Street.
Shall Hawks have us broach London Boulevard and High Street and remove all that fill in between, land that now passes beneath the new high school? Maybe he would like to tear down the house that my dad built and others in Shea Terrace that are built on fill. Of course not, but that's some of what it would take to return the creek to its natural state.
A report published several years ago in the local papers pointed out that those mud flats, so easily dismissed by Hawks and Jordan, combined with the marshes were extremely valuable as a hatchery and nursery for many types of fishes.
I have lived and/or boated on Scotts Creek for 54 years and I can assure you that the creek has never been healthier. Juvenile and adult spot, croaker, flounder, white perch, rockfish, puppy drum, trout, mullet and others abound, not to mention a healthy population of blue crabs. There is also a diverse population of wading birds, ducks, gulls, kingfishers and so forth nesting around and feeding on the creek.
The creek also supports a number of muskrats. There are also shrimp, mussels, periwinkles and minnows now thriving in a creek that in the '70s and '80s was dead.
I am afraid that little consideration has been given to the impact that dredging and development will have on the health of the creek and its wildlife. Scotts Creek is a small but important example of nature in balance and should not be disturbed.
Finally, for now, all waterfront property owners on the creek might ask themselves if they are going to be able to afford the increased real estate taxes and insurance costs on rising property values that are bound to accompany any improvements to the creek or are they asking for development that will force them to abandon the enviable lifestyle that they now enjoy?
William D. Roberts
Cedar Lane
June 17, 1996 Lower than planting soil
It's frustrating and sickening when you consider some of the things some persons will do these days.
Members of the Greenwood Garden Club of the Cavalier Manor area work hard trying to make and keep the entrance to the Victory Manor section beautiful. We keep the grass cut, pick up trash that careless ones throw down and try to keep a large bed near the entrance supplied with flowering plants growing.
Just the other day we bought bedding plants, worked the bed, set out the plants and the place looked beautiful.
Two days later we discovered a thief or thieves had come by and taken all the most expensive ones, as well as others.
I feel sorry for you, whoever you are. I pray the plants taken will beautify some other spot.
We also want you to know, whoever you are, you did yourself and us a disservice. We hope you think twice before you do such a low down, dirty trick again.
E.F. Rollins
Greenwood Garden Club
June 17, 1996 by CNB