To the Editor:

Is Southampton County open for development at any cost?

Last week at the Planning Commission meeting a proposal was approved to allow a fast food restaurant, gas station and strip mall to be built at the corner of Ridley Road and Route 35.

I am against this proposal for the following reasons.

1. This proposed development is right across the road from the Southampton County Middle School and High School.

2. The Ridley Road and Route 35 intersection is the recommended entry and exit for school traffic. The only other School exit is on to Route 58. I for one do not want our student drivers and school buses exposed to the Route 58 traffic.

3. Just imagine the mess at the intersection of Ridley Road and Route 35 in the morning from 6-9 a.m. when student drivers, school teachers and school buses are trying to enter school property. Now mix in other vehicles trying to enter and exit the fast food restaurant, gas station and strip mall.

Now fast forward to the afternoon 2-5 p.m. School ends, most students are released about the same time. Everyone trying to get home, Now mix in other vehicles trying to enter and exit the fast food restaurant, gas station, and strip mall. I pray not, but to me this is a recipe for accidents, injuries or worse.

4. I hope that we keep in mind that our student drivers are the most inexperienced drivers in the county. There is no need to put them in harm’s way.

5. If it were not for the safety concerns I would not have a problem with this development. There is also another site that would be suitable for this development, that would not interfere with school traffic.

The Southampton County Planning Commission voted 5-3 to approve the development plan. I thank the three members of Planning Commission who voted against it, Michael Mann, Keith Tennessee and Bill Day. I think that they thought about the safety of our school children and school staff, and voted no to the development plan.

To the five members of Planning Commission who seemed to be thinking only about a little bit of tax money, and a few minimum wage jobs, and voted yes to the development plan. SHAME ON YOU!

This proposed development now goes to the Southampton County Board of Supervisors for consideration. I think at the October meeting. Please check The Tidewater News for date. Please call your Supervisor, come to the public hearing, help protect our children.

John Burchett
Sebrell