Slow down on changes in Buckroe
By Robert Montgomery
Daily Press
May 23, 2007
I attended a recent meeting of the Buckroe neighborhood regarding rezoning portions of the two large lots near the beach. Representatives from the planning department advised us that the change in zoning was necessary to create the park.
The current zoning permits the following uses: open space, parking, food vendors and public activities. Sounds like a park to me; no rezoning needed.
The Hampton city zoning ordinance states: "...amending zoning should be considered only after all efforts to effect a positive change in the community's housing stock conditions prove to be futile and are exhausted."
Buckroe has largely been ignored over the last 20 to 30 years; the city turns its attention to Buckroe only when it plans large-scale residential developments. Recently improvements have been made to Pembroke Avenue near the beach in preparation for the anticipated new developments.
Where are the improvements within our established neighborhood? Where are the sidewalks, curbs and drainage? Where are the low-cost loans offered to homeowners of other communities for revitalization? What economic incentives has the city provided to encourage new business in this area?
If the city were truly interested in improving Buckroe, it would seem prudent to wait and see how the new residential developments affect Buckroe. With additional residential development and the city's own parks and recreation department expecting an increase in beach and park activity, wouldn't it make sense to slow down and keep as much as possible in reserve for public use?
I ask residents to make their wishes for improving my community known to the Planning Commission and City Council before the city rezones this area.
Robert Montgomery
Hampton
