LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Mall redevelopment plan has too much concrete

Dear Editor,

Thanks for the coverage on Cloverleaf [Mall]. Now that it looks like we are going to get more retail space, not that there is a dearth of retail space, why not do something unique? If, as the supervisors indicate, they want "...a significant gateway to the county," why not something different and environmentally sound? Why have such large expanses of parking? Why not "stacked" parking, either two-story garages or under office parking? That would allow more "green space" - a welcoming sight coming into the county on Midlothian Turnpike. We already have lots of asphalt across Midlothian from Cloverleaf, and down the road a bit at three "decaying" malls as well as Chesterfield Towne Center and other miscellaneous shopping locations. If not wellplanned and used, we will have a stretch of Midlothian Turnpike that could be dubbed "asphalt alley."

A recent study indicated that the average nighttime temperatures in Phoenix, Ariz. have increased over the past 20 years due to the amount of cement and asphalt retaining daytime heat and releasing it during the evening hours. While we don't have the heat that Phoenix does, the water runoff is tremendous in the huge expanses of asphalt parking lots. In many parts of Europe today, "green roofs" are mandatory in new buildings. Doing something different, as well as environmentally sound, would truly be a significant and welcoming gateway to the county.

Allan Trosclair

Midlothian

Sowder thanks voters

Dear Editor,

I wish to thank all the voters and citizens for their confidence in me and for their support on Tues., Nov 7. We all have the same goal -to make Midlothian and Chesterfield County an even better place to live, work, shop, raise our families and educate our children. Additionally, we want Midlothian and Chesterfield to be a great place for our children and grandchildren to call home when they become adults.

You have my pledge that I will do my best to work toward attainment of our goal. Together, we can make it happen.

Don Sowder

Midlothian Supervisor

Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to letters@chesterfieldobserver.com, mailed to P.O. Box 1616, Midlothian, VA 23113, or faxed to 744-3269. Letters should include the writer's phone number and home address, but neither will be printed. All letters may be edited for clarity or space. For complete guidelines, visit www.chesterfieldobserver. com and click on "letters policy."