N N Watermen, unite

Source: dailypress.com
Written by Carol Hogge

March 30, 2008

All watermen from Newport News need to come to the next meeting of the City Council. Especially needed are the watermen who have docked at the Deep Creek pier and are now docked at the Menchville wharf. The Deep Creek pier that has been the home port for many watermen for decades is in jeopardy of being torn down completely and never being replaced as a mooring facility.

Watermen’s views and concerns are needed to help the city decide and provide the best and safest place for the mooring of boats and being able to unload and sell the catch without having to travel elsewhere. It is very important to attend and let the City Council know our experiences and feelings about the Deep Creek pier. Not only the watermen are losing this great treasure but the public who have fished or crabbed or just strolled down the pier to view the sunset or talk to the watermen.

It really does matter what the watermen have to say. Don’t let this opportunity to speak out get away from you to tell the City Council what you think.

Carol Hogge

Newport News

Deep Creek Pier Coming Down

The equipment entered the harbor yesterday, andthey started pulling pilings today.Soon all that will remain is the sunset.

Rebuild the pier

Photo contributed by pier supporter. Thank you.

Most recent editorial follows.

Source: dailypress.com

March 6, 2008

I requested a deed to the property from the top of the hill at the end of Deep Creek out to the mean low waterline. The Newport News city attorney’s office responded in writing that it does not have a deed to that property.

Deep Creek Pier was built the first time more than 70 years ago on the land of Bonniebelle Melzer. It was rebuilt in the late 1950s, after her death, on the land of her husband, John Melzer.

It doesn’t matter who built the pier. The land is what’s at stake here.If there was no agreement then the city owes the Melzer family “just compensation” for the road and for their property. They have asked that instead of giving them money for the road, the city rebuild the Deep Creek Pier as their mother would have wanted it. It does not have to be as long as it was. It just has to serve the public and the working watermen.

Charlotte Saylor

“Save the Deep Creek Pier,” Newport News

Deep Creek Pier To Be Demolished

Unless something unforeseen occurs, demolition of Deep Creek Pier is said to begin later this week. The necessary equipment is said to be arriving today.

Sources

dailypress.com was the source for both of the following: Newport News’ historian will finalize retirement in February and Let’s try to save Deep Creek pier.