THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 10, 1997 TAG: 9701100013
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 32 lines
Compliments to the in-depth journalism provided by sports writer Ed Miller regarding the Hartford Whalers downtown arena (Jan. 1). It provides citizens of Hampton Roads a clearer vision of the flourishing contemporary region we could choose to be. We are so close to realizing what many communities, such as Hartford, Conn., are so far away from: strong positioning for the next century.
We are not digging ourselves out of a hole, and hanging on for dear life as the folks in Hartford seem to be. We are here to embrace fresh developments; growing universities, lively museums, new opera and stage events, more concert venues, new and revitalized retail centers all over Hampton Roads. And, in keeping with the theme of this letter, hopefully a National Hockey League team and downtown arena.
I believe we sit on the brink of a thriving, modern community, complete with unique natural assets, the beaches and waterways. Many of the components are already in place.
This region and its leaders, most of them, have set the wheels in motion for dynamic development.
A region bursting with potential, heading for a new century has been started. Naysayers can move on. I believe it is time to turn on the positive, including a downtown arena and the addition of a major-league sports franchise!
JAYNE ASMAN
Norfolk, Jan. 3, 1997