Here, from CFMNP's Louis Guy, are some points that might be worth considering before the Dec. 6, 2007, National Park Service public meeting on Fort Monroe. The meeting will begin at 6:30 P.M. at the Northampton Community Center behind Jefferson Davis Middle School on Todds Lane in Hampton (detailed directions):

      (1) Only chance TO GET IT RIGHT is NOW.

      (2) If any part is sold off, that weakens the possibility to preserve the history, public access and open space for everyone; probably ruins it forever.

      (3) To do it right will need every penny of annual revenue that the entire 570 acres of the present Army post -- all of Old Point Comfort, which is all a national historic landmark -- can responsibly produce; beware of alternate plans that compromise with developers who want land ownership.

      (4) Fiscal responsibility calls on Virginia to maximize the historic preservation, heritage tourism, and waterfront open space potential for this Grand Public Place ! How could Hampton do other than benefit in a big way if that is done?

      (5) The Army paid no taxes to Hampton ; the Army's TRADOC employees are moving their job site to Fort Eustis . It is scare tactics and untrue to claim that this move will cost Hampton "millions in lost taxes."

      (6) The real question is: WHO will be responsible for converting Fort Monroe into a self sustaining destination for regional citizens, tourists, and residents of the existing Fort Monroe village? Does anyone trust Hampton or Virginia to do this for the next century, placing the annual budget for Fort Monroe in competition every year for money from the General Fund? A Public Trust in partnership with the National Park Service, like that at the Presidio, is a much better bet!

      (7) What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Presidio? Be specific. Rumors and innuendo about the Presidio serve no one except hungry developers, chomping at the bit for a piece of Old Point Comfort.