A stitch in time

Save public access to waterfront, while it's still possible

Daily Press editorial

June 11, 2007

Residents of such rapidly growing counties as James City and Isle of Wight can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the construction. New Town in James City, for example, seems to be changing almost overnight the sense of congestion and density in the county.

If development continues unabated for the next couple of decades, open space, even in the upper county, will become a rare and expensive commodity. And since waterfront property is often the most attractive for expensive new homes - and essential for the marina and port-related businesses that help define the region - public access to the water that gives Hampton Roads its identity has long been problematic.

That means the only time to preserve both open space and water access for future generations is now. Fortunately both of these suburban counties are doing just that.

James City is studying the future use of two former riverfront campgrounds and a marina.

The first, now known as Chickahominy Riverfront Park, is adjacent to the Chickahominy River bridge. The swimming pool is open to the public in the summer, and the open field is the site of the county fair each year. Beyond that, little has changed since the county purchased the property in 2001.

The second, the Jamestown campground and marina, near the ferry to Surry, was purchased as the 400th anniversary of the settling of Jamestown approached. It was the site of much of the main celebration last month but has reverted to camping and other outdoor uses as the county decides its future.

Because the county has spent millions buying these properties to be able to control their future, it might be tempting to look for some way to recover some of that money in the future. That should not, however, be the priority.

Isle of Wight, meanwhile, already offers the public water access at three locations and is currently deciding how best to use two pieces of property conveyed to the county as part of the Lawnes Point development. One, the historic Fort Huger site, will remain an educational and historic site, but the county is soliciting public input on how best to develop the second parcel to serve residents.

When citizens want to know what they get in return for their taxes, open space and recreational areas may not be the first things that come to mind. But as development continues, they will be among the most valuable assets local government in these two communities can offer future generations.

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