Hampton waterfront
By Beth Suiter
Daily Press
November 10, 2005
I just read "Chamberlin's final history: You can buy a piece of history" (Nov. 2). It states that the plan for the Chamberlin is to redevelop it into apartments for renters 55 and older. It goes on to say: "In addition, a new six-story building with a parking deck is planned, as well as 38 assisted-living units and 40 independent-living apartments."
We are losing the beautiful waterfront at Fort Monroe. Is the city going to allow the waterfront to be taken for private use including a six-story building (parking garage)?
I have no objections to the types of facilities mentioned, but I ask the Hampton City Council to please save the Fort Monroe and Buckroe waterfront for all people to enjoy. Where else can we go and stroll along the beautiful bay or sit and absorb the beautiful scenery of the bay or spend a summer evening picnicking and enjoying a concert or movie in the fresh bay breeze?
Preserve the Fort Monroe gazebo and the public area around it and the boardwalk along the bay for all to continue enjoying. Allow us to spend summer days and evenings enjoying the Buckroe Park and waterfront.
I am a native of Hampton and have been a Peninsula resident most of my years. These two waterfront spots are two of the prettiest public spots in Hampton. Forget the dollar bill and stand for providing what I think most Peninsula residents would rather have - beautiful bayside places for all to enjoy.
Beth Suiter
Yorktown
Copyright (c) 2005, Daily Press
More on Monroe
By Steven T. Corneliussen
Daily Press
November 16, 2005
Point of information concerning Beth Suiter's Nov. 10 letter ("Hampton waterfront") pleading with the Hampton City Council "to please save the Fort Monroe waterfront for all people to enjoy." Nothing in law, property deeds, American history or common sense automatically donates Fort Monroe solely to Hampton. The problem is that state and regional civic leaders -- including, sadly, journalist -- are nevertheless promoting that donation, even though they also regularly advocate Hampton Roads regionalism. Fort Monroe, a bayfront national treasure with a beach the size of Buckroe, is obviously a state and regional asset. Those who love the place should demand that a regional process be established -- one that respects Hampton's unique stake without making it the only stake.
Steven T. Corneliussen
