The Buckroe vote
By Sandra Canepa
Daily Press
January 22, 2006
We who are fighting to save what little green space in Buckroe Beach remains are terribly disappointed that the Hampton City Council voted on January 11 to extend First Street to Point Comfort Avenue. Its vote also included permission for parking to be added to both sides of the First Street extension.
That wonderful large green space between Pembroke Avenue, Second Street, the Buckroe Beach boardwalk and Point Comfort Avenue, which now provides the public unobstructed, beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and safe, easy access to the public beach, will soon become a huge, ugly, unsafe problem for thousands. Everyone trying to cross First Street to get to our public beach will have to dodge traffic all along First Street.
Additionally, those parked cars, SUVs, vans and trucks will effectively block the beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay. Even people driving along the length of First Street will not see the bay; they will be looking at parked vehicles. All of these problems were pointed out to council but were ignored by six council members.
The council members only listened to the city planner explain that the First Street extension would be the perfect street for connecting Buckroe and Fort Monroe. I can just imagine the speedway First Street will become in our Buckroe Beach resort area if and when that time ever arrives.
Councilwoman Angela Leary, who voted with the people and against the First Street extension, pointed out the extension is not necessary at this time.
Sandra Canepa
Hampton
