THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 15, 1996 TAG: 9607120023
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 33 lines
The proposed light-rail line for Hampton Roads can be an opportunity for this region to work as a team.
Through a consortium of all cities in Southside Hampton Roads, Norfolk-Southern, the military, major businesses and citizens, we can work together to create a successful transportation alternative. This would make the area more competitive to new businesses and reduce congested roadways while increasing the quality of life. If possible, a referendum in the cities can let the citizens decide how to finance the project and how quickly the system in stages can be built.
It is a disappointment to continually read stories about elected officials in Virginia Beach pursuing a parochial attitude. To suggest that a vote against light rail is in retaliation for water issues makes the citizens of Virginia Beach hostages to an ever-increasing volume of traffic and gridlock.
Have the mayor and City Council members driven through any of the major roads in the city - at any daytime hour - and noticed how bad the traffic is? What other alternative do they suggest?
Twenty years ago when it was reported in this paper that water supplies would run out, no one did a thing - until the drought of 1980-81. Since then, Virginia Beach has endured more than four years of mandatory water rationing. Will the same thing happen again for transportation?
We are a region blessed with many factors creating a style of living most areas of the country envy. Let's work together to make it better.
NICHOLAS THEO
Virginia Beach, July 4, 1996 by CNB