LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Moratorium needed

Dear Editor,

Here in Chesterfield, we often read about the congestion and/or road conditions as well as how pitifully crowded our schools are. Then why is it that it seems that every vacant acre of land in the county is being used to build yet another apartment [complex], townhouses or a full blown subdivision? It also appears that no business can come to the county without having "homes" attached. It doesn't seem like rocket science to know that homes bring families, which bring kids/students, and since mom and dad have to pay for that new house, traffic. If the schools and roads are already overcrowded, then why add more until you fix the problem you already have?

[At least four new schools are opening] by 2010, but by then, we will need 10. With the planning commission being appointed by the Board of Supervisors, guess which way they are likely to vote when it comes right down to it? I'll bet that one of the largest revenues for the county is real estate taxes. Lower the rate, but raise the assessment, so the [taxes we pay are] still higher than the year before. The county can't thrive mostly on the backs of its residents. Opening more shopping [centers] is good, but when most of the residents have to drive to the West End to work, it's really easy to run by [Henrico County's] malls at lunch or on the way home - especially when you know what monster traffic will be here once you reach this side of town.

I wish we would stop putting the cart before the horse. Put a moratorium on residential growth and properly update what we have. Maybe the county needs to take a page from Washington, D.C.'s book [on Election Day] and get some fresh blood and new ideas, because this more homes thing isn't working for us when we need more schools and roads.

A. Coleman

Richmond

Due to state law, the county attorney has said Chesterfield cannot simply enact a moratorium. Editor

An anti-litter campaign is needed in the county

Dear Editor,

The anti-litter campaign that I was referring to [in my previous letter to the editor] is more prevention than picking it up. Ideally, the campaign would be permanent and encourage Chesterfield residents of all ages to be responsible citizens in dealing with litter.

In recent years, I've seen paint splashed on roadways that is not going to be picked up. A handout where paint is sold, asking that the paint be secure in the vehicle is the prevention I'm thinking about. Fast food wrappers, coffee and soda cups, etc.- the list is endless, but prevention can go a long way in keeping Chesterfield County clean.

Walter Lang

Brandermill

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