No to condos
By Laura Thompson
Daily Press
November 12, 2006
The Hampton City Council, as our elected representatives, has a difficult decision to make on the issue of Buckroe Beach and development of Lots B.
Since moving to Hampton in 1975, I've frequently seen unchecked development, poor long-term planning and an inability to see a plot of land as anything but a future tax base. My family has enjoyed Buckroe Beach for years, and I eagerly await the council's decision to see if we will be able to continue to enjoy it.
I don't see how a few high-priced condos will be better for Hampton as a whole. I recently read that condo sales are flattening across the nation. If that is the case, has the council considered the possibility that condos on this land may not yield the full advantages foreseen? And even if they do generate the desired revenue, at what price to the average citizen?
I urge the council to look at this decision very carefully. Once this land is taken, it is permanently gone for a number of people who won't want to fight the new residents for parking or squeeze into the little remaining space we will have left.
Many cities don't have what we have here - a quiet family spot without the hassles of more commercial beaches like Nags Head or Virginia Beach. Do we really want to mimic those places, or can we find harmony for our city that doesn't put money above quality of life?
I hope our council members will consider developing this land in a way that works for all Hampton residents, and say no to condos at Buckroe.
Laura Thompson
Hampton
