'Purist' about Lots B
By Sandra Canepa
Daily Press
November 22, 2006
Reference two different points in two recent editorials; in "Reading tea leaves," Nov. 10, the paper points out that the message of E.T. "Tom" Meree's recent victory in Poquoson is that high-density development doesn't belong in Poquoson. In "Buckroe. . . ," Nov. 13, the paper states "purists" who want to take all three Lots B off the drawing boards are not being "realistic," and "compromise" is the only way to go.
The "purists," to include 12,000 Hampton residents who signed a petition, want all three Lots B to remain on the drawing boards and to be redesigned as a world-class city park. Currently, a public opinion survey is being conducted for citizen input on four proposed design options (Options A, B, C and D) for Buckroe's Lots B.
Design Option D shows Lots B can be developed into a magnificent waterfront city park with ample off-street public parking. By choosing Design Option D, no "compromise" is needed.
The values of any housing surrounding the park will be greatly increased, just as is the value of any property surrounding magnificent parks throughout the world, to include New York City's Central Park. Meree's position against high-density growth and his victory in Poquoson should be no different than our position for a people's victory for Buckroe's Lots B.
To view the four design options and submit input or comments to the city of Hampton, visit www.buckroebeach.org. Do not delay. The Hampton Planning Department will make its recommendation before the Planning Commission on Dec. 11, and public opinions will play a role in their recommendation.
Sandra Canepa
Hampton
