Piers and promises

Editorial feedback
Source: dailypress.com
December 17, 2007

Responding to the Nov. 20 editorial about the Deep Creek pier, “Priorities.” Fishermen are a dying breed and need to be supported. By the city not keeping a 70-year-old promise, what does that say about the integrity of our city leaders? They’re able to find money for all these new and big developments, so why not the same for our waterfront? I’ve never been on the Deep Creek pier, but I support the people trying to preserve it. I’ve lived in this city for over 43 years.

Joyce Werner

Editorial Feedback

December 12, 2007

A pair of piers

Maybe if the city of Newport News hadn’t spent $21 million on a brick police station, instead of building it out of something more affordable, then maybe it would have $700,000 to spend on a working pier that the working people in the area need (“Priorities,” Nov. 20). Also, why is the Daily Press pushing so hard for the Menchville side? Does someone connected with the Daily Press have a monetary interest in it themselves?

Ken Lewis

Editor’s response: The Daily Press is advocating that Newport News invest in pier facilities on the Menchville side of the creek, rather than rebuild the Deep Creek pier, because the Menchville site has the advantage in accessibility and accommodating the amenities a pier requires, including restrooms. Buying land for such accommodations would drive up the cost of rebuilding on the Deep Creek side. For the record, no one connected with the Daily Press editorial page has a monetary or personal interest in this dispute, and if anyone did, we would disclose it.

Deep Creek

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Contributed by Mayasbop

Capt. Jody

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Jody’s Boat
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Capt. Jody – Doing what he did best.

These were sent in by Carol Hogge.

Oyster Grounds

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Oyster Grounds ~ April 17, 1937

Plat and Affidavit

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Plat depicting land conveyed – Melzer to Huffman
Plat depicting land conveyed – Melzer to Lozaw

From The Forum

Mayor Frank equated the questioning of his family relationship with Mr. Deyoung as a challenge of his integrity. Even Councilman Haskins defended Joe’s virtue. Surely it was an oversight. Mayor Frank isn’t invested in the Marina. Atty. Katz verified that the relationship didn’t fit any of the criteria involved in conflicts of interest.

I can see how citizens would expect a higher standard of Mayor Frank. He set the standard himself. Reference the February 27, 1990 minutes of the Regular Meeting of City Council. In brief, the discussion is Public Hearings – Deep Creek/Menchville Land Use Plan. A Mrs. Nachman is referenced as involved in seafood business on the Menchville side of the harbor. She is noted as represented by Mr. Barry Nachman.

“Vice Mayor Frank disclosed that Mrs. Nachman is his first cousin and her son Barry is his second cousin. He explained they do not live in his household. He has not invested in activity with them. They are not dependent upon him for support or any of the other criteria involved in conflicts of interest.” Mayor Frank concludes by saying, “In fairness to the public, he felt it necessary to disclose to the public that there is a family relationship as he is participating in this matter and in this vote.”

Reasonable people will question inconsistency. The Deep Creek Pier issue is loaded with it.
William Phillips