Editor, Smithfield Times

I write this letter as a grieving man. I grieve that my county is being robbed of its natural beauty in favor of “progress.” I write this letter as a man who has no choice now but to reminisce about the way things used to be. I write this letter as a man who is afraid of the future for our children and grandchildren, because our generations are making the decisions we are making.

I know of course that progress will come. However, we have a choice as to whether or not we turn Smithfield and Carrollton into the seven cities. Smithfield has survived all these years without the Walmarts and Wawa’s of today, I believe that Carrollton could as welI. I know that there was an agreement years ago to develop my area, but this is not years ago. this is now. Why does the county not have a choice but it let it go forward?  Why does the county make choices for Carrollton and not consider the people? People probably didn’t come to Carrollton for the amenities and conveniences. They came for the natural beauty, which county supervisors are currently responsible for killing.

The statement of values of the Board of Supervisors states “To sustain Isle of Wight County’s stature as a community of choice for people, families and businesses alike while preserving and protecting our rural heritage, our bountiful mix of natural resources and our natural beauty for present and future generations.” With regard to protecting our rural heritage, I’m not sure that this statement is being adhered to.

The people driving these decisions don’t have to deal with the James River Bridge traffic in the afternoons. They apparently are not concerned with the recent uptick in crime enough to say “let’s take a look at what we’re doing.” They apparently don’t mind that trees that have stood for years fall in a heartbeat so that a store that we don’t need can go in their place.

Isle of Wight County is my home. I am seeing my home die right before my eyes. How can YOU let that happen? How can the county not fight for this once beautiful place?

Reid S. Lundie
Carrollton