THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 12, 1996 TAG: 9607100171
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 78 lines
You know, it would be quite all right for the commercial developers of the historic site on the corner of Battlefield Boulevard and Cedar Road in Great Bridge to have second thoughts about their endeavor.
Those involved in this project - the Herman Hall family, former state senator William Parker, the firm of Hassell and Folkes - may choose to reconsider their position and its accompanying damaging effects to the community. Chesapeake's historic sites are an invaluable, non-renewable resource that we can all ill afford to lose. The developers may still choose to abandon their development plans in favor of the greater health, safety and welfare of the community, as long as they receive just compensation, of which they have been previously offered.
Sit back, take a look and follow the lead of Wal-Mart and their change of heart concerning another historic site near Fredericksburg. After taking in the concerns of citizens outraged with Wal-Mart's plans to build a store and accompanying shopping center atop a portion of Ferry Farm, the farm where George Washington grew up, the company has apparently decided to pull out and locate at another site further away. Wal-Mart not particularly known for following anyone's wishes but their own, eventually did the proper thing and stepped aside for the public good, after receiving a just compensation.
It is a situation much like the one here in Great Bridge, but with one big difference: The developer is willing to reconsider in order to preserve a historic site.
Citizens here in Great Bridge are asking for no more than that of the developers who are trying to shoehorn in a Commerce Bank and Rite-Aid on the historic site here at home. We ask that they please reconsider and accept the city's and residents' just offer to purchase the said property for use as a historic park and town green. In the past it was strongly intimated on several occasions that you would accept. You will not regret it.
Robert Parker
Friends of the Chapel Green
Battlefield Boulevard South God and animals
I have always loved animals. We have had dogs, rabbits and chickens. I do not believe in abusing animals. In fact, the Bible says we are to care for our animals (Proverbs 12:10). The Lord tells us in Genesis 1:26 that ``Man is to have dominion over the fish, fowl, cattle and every creeping thing.'' God has ordained that we should enjoy the things he has provided for his children. Therefore, we enjoy eating steak, fish, chicken, crawfish, etc.
Jesus prepared breakfast for his disciples on the seashore and they ate fish. He never taught the disciples not to eat meat or fish. He is the supreme teacher. At the feeding of the 5,000, it was fish and bread. The Bible talks a lot about animals and names many. Also it mentions the uses of them, such as lambs' wool for clothing.
Where does People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) get their philosophy? Not from God's word!
We are trying to teach people in Third World nations to raise fish, rabbits and goats so they will have a decent diet instead of a meager bowl of rice day after day. How about the Masai people of Africa, who prize their cattle and do not eat them? Their wealth is measured by how many cattle they have. They stab them in the neck, take some blood and mix it with milk for their food. Then they plug the neck wound with manure. That is part of their culture.
PETA knows very little about the world's people and less about God's good earth from all I am reading. I recommend that they strive for wisdom and read the Bible. God in his great mercy will show love and truth.
Eloise Bryant
Hawksley Drive Helpful firefighters
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the firemen at Station 11 in Chesapeake's Western Branch for the quick response to my call at midnight on June 6 when my smoke alarm sounded.
The men were courteous and thoughtful, and I appreciate the comforting words given me.
We are fortunate to have this type of personnel to answer our calls in our time of emergency!
Lillian Kohler
Meadows Landing by CNB