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April 13, 1971
<br />
<br />- NEW BUSINESS -
<br />
<br />71-145 The following petition was read:
<br />
<br /> "WE THE UNDERSIGNED, Residents of Freedom Ave. of Portsmouth,~ Virginia Do Hereby make
<br />petition to the City Council of Portsmouth, Virgina to stop the daily and continuous flow of
<br />dump trucks and tractor trailers driven through Freedom Ave. which endangers the lives of our
<br />children and children that attend Cavalier Manor School on Freedom Ave. and causes a general
<br />nuisance. Signed Norman S. Cherry, 810 Freedom Ave., and others."
<br />
<br />Motion of Mr. Raymond Turner to receive as information.
<br />
<br /> Substitute motion of Mr. Holley, to refer the matter to the City Manager for effects of
<br />rectification, was adopted, without dissenting vote.
<br />
<br />71-146 The following letter from Mrs. Palma C. Rossano was read:
<br />
<br /> "I have just finished reading one of the latest items on SOUTHSIDE, wherein Mrs. McCoy
<br />Winston, president of the Southside Neighborhood Assembly, announced they were withdrawing
<br />their support of the proposed combination USO-Neighborhood Facility, stating that conversion
<br />of area around the~ythe Street playground site for the facility to industry and commerce
<br />would preclude its continuing as a residential neighborhood. In my estimation, this seems a
<br />poor way to help SOUTHSIDE rather a way of abandoning same would be a more logical ex-
<br />planation.
<br />
<br /> No disrespect to Mrs. Winston, because I feel certain that she means well, but if she
<br />would only realize that by going along with the City leaders to launch this program, something
<br />worthy may develop and people will become interested in buying land and building around this
<br />so called "SLUM" area. The USO combinatipn would actually bring about prosperity and also
<br />some cleanliness which is so badly needed. In other words, this combination would invite peop
<br />to do something for SOUTHSIDE. If we reject this offer, I am afraid that SOUTHSIDE will truly
<br />become a dead vegetable and drive people away.
<br />
<br /> I have lived in this area for over forty years and it was at one t~me a lovely place, eve
<br />as late as fifteen years ago. WHY can't we restore this historical section and STOP all this
<br />nonsense about having more investigations made, etc.
<br />
<br />This area has received a DECADE of promises upon promises, with no results whatsoever.
<br />
<br /> Let's stop pretending and do something to invite people to come and live around our area
<br />and NOT DRIVE THEM OUT, as this no doubt will happen if we turn the USO combination down.
<br />
<br /> I dislike to seem harsh, but when I openly see h~w much play-work has been done and
<br />nothing accomplished, I get sick and disgusted.
<br />
<br /> I wish I were able to attend the meetings, but I was involved in a two-bus collision over
<br />two years ago and I cannot do what I would like to dO, nor can I leave my husband alone in
<br />the evenings, becanse he has a heart condition; therefore, I will have to pen my grievances
<br />whenever I am prompted. Thanks to America for our freedom of speechl
<br />
<br /> Occasionally, I read where other areas are hardly put aside to be studied; something
<br />usually is ,done within a short period of time, but SOUTHSIDE is still being studied; or,
<br />better than that it is dying a slow death from all the promises made.
<br />
<br /> Since Southside is so very well educated via promises, why doesn't Congress employ all
<br />these educator? Believe me, all this is beginning to look and feel slushy~
<br />
<br /> I belong to eight auxiliaries, am past president of two and national of one, and I have
<br />served at the USO many years with some of these auxiliaries; so, I don't believe that any of
<br />them would withdraw thei~ support, knowing fully well that this change could surely be for
<br />the better and certainly not worse. How could anything be more sickening than the area is
<br />right now[
<br />
<br /> Again, may I repeat that no disrespect is meant by this letter to anyone, especially
<br />those that are trying to do a -[ob which he or she thinks is for the best interest.
<br />
<br /> I would like this letter to be read at the next City Council meeting, if possible; so,
<br />that same can be discussed, and if there are others whose ideas coincide with mine, I wish
<br />they would present same and try and bring this long standing matter to a complete solution."
<br />
<br /> On motion of Mr. Raymon,d Smith to be received as information, was adopted, without dis-
<br />sent~ng vote.
<br />
<br />71-147 The following letter from Congressman G. William Whitehurst was read:
<br />
<br /> "Thank you for your letter with regard to federal regulations govemning certain activitie
<br />wirhin Renewal and Conservation projects. I am taking the liberty of forwarding a copy to the
<br />Department of Housing and Urban Development, asking that your comments be given immediate
<br />attention. When I hear from them I will be in touch with you."
<br />
<br />71-148'- The fsllowi~g 'leZter from Senator Harry F. Byrd's office was read:
<br />
<br /> 'This will acknowledge your letter of March 23, which Senator Byrd has 3ust seen and
<br />directed that I give my special attention.
<br />
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