Saturday, July 18, 2009

ANDY SAID "NAIL IN THE DOWNTOWN COFFIN"

I don’t think Andy Damiani was implying that Downtown Suffolk was already dead even though there are many reasons Andy could believe it is. He said it when he learned the Selena Cuffee Glenn, our petit City Manager suggested the Christmas Parade could be moved to North Suffolk. Again a high city official hints that Suffolk has a division line. But why not move it to Chuckatuck, or Eclipse, or Driver? North Suffolk can only mean north of Hwy 17; there being no official designation. So do the kids and fire trucks march up and down Harbor View, or around the big theatre parking lot? In the back of my mind a voice hints that the Mayor and our CM have a vision of a marble City Hall in NS. We all know who makes up the bulk of the parade audience downtown; it is a tradition that Main is the main location. And I’m not sure those folks in some areas of NS will sit still for horse apples on the pavement. Besides, in parts of NS they have their own traditional parades. And I just can’t imagine Curtiss Milteer in a convertible that far away from his borough.

45 comments:

toasted cracker said...

The nayayers of those that have warned or advocated two Suffolks may now be silenced. The decision to move the parade could be a favor to the Sleepy Hole Councilman, Mayor Johnson or to impress a visiting VIP. Sorry to say it Andy, but the tug of money and power from Riverview to Harborview should be obvious to all of us.

Most citizens in the Chuckatuck Borough would like to see the Mayor and City Council lead the next "Winter Holiday" parade from Chuckatuck to Driver along King's Highway.

Hopefully in time, council will continue to move parades like Peanut Fest. The next parade rightfully belongs in the Peanut District down East Washington and White Marsh Road in the Cypress Borough. Attendees of that event will observe bricks instead of peanuts being tossed while parade floats are stripped of tires and marchers relieved of their valuables. Councilman Brown will however be absent.

Anonymous said...

Hello, Hello, Hello! Tap-Tap-Tap.

Anyone really there? Hello!!!!!!!

This is not a new decision, it is a bow to the reality that Suffolk is really just the North end where the real money is, and the rest of us poor souls to the South of Route 17! To assume that anyone really cares that the "Old-People" like Curtis Milteer speaks of really means anything to this reality, are just stupid, diluted, or worse. Curtis, it no longer matters how long you have been here, money is what matters! To accept that it does matter anymore how long you have been in Suffolk, does not recognize where the money is and the power flows from and that is the North End of our City. South of Route 17 has done little to grow or prosper when compared to the huge growth and population spirt of Harbor View and the North End of town, which has little to do with "Downtown". Suffolk is becoming the "Banded-Town", where many have slowly recognized the money is north, the old and crumbling downtown gets some attention but is in retreat, and the south and western part of the city is hobbled with shipping wharehouses and farms, but little real political clout or money (power). Not to mention the fact that the south end of the City has poor thinkers representing us and no real clout other than Curtis' bizzare verbal outbreaks and home-spun Squirrel stories.

In the not to distant future, more and more of what comprises the City will move like a flood to the Harbor View area of the city, just due to the gravity of money and power. As more of the population grows in that area, why does it make any sense to come downtown to do business, shop, or anyting except to go to court and to visit City Hall and pay your taxes? It does not and we will see a shift in that direction now that there are two council-people from Sleep-Hole. With one as Mayor, it seems clear that the weight of power and influence is not in favor of "anymore than necessary" to placate the old downtown crowd and much much more up where the real people are. They need a parade to validate their power and Mrs. Glenn will provide that under direction. Why do you think she offered the idea anyway?

Andy is wrong. The nail in the coffin was hammered along time ago. They are now lowering the coffin into the ground as we speak and will kick-in the dirt by next year. Welcome to the new plan for Suffolk, where it is "one man-one vote", excepting for the fact that dollars vote too and we are now seeing that most of those are North of Route 17, and in some influential pockets!

Anonymous said...

Well I will be damned,I dont want to see one firetruck, police car or EMS unit that is stationed in the OLD DEAD CITY INDLUDING EAST WEST AND SOUTH TO BE USED IN ANY "UPTOWN STRIP CENTER" CELEBRATION OF ANY KIND. Those vehicles dont need the wear and tare of being used to go back and forth to help Jerry's kids or any other so called good thing such as a parade.Yea it makes good sense to have the peanut fest parade up north, where would you like to ahve the festival at" Remember its the person from Sleepy Hollow that you complain abt concering conflcits of interest. So to silence that arguement and complaint just move it up north I am sure the crickets will be chirping then. One other thing, make sure that the parade crosses the KHB just for good mesaure. I am sure the people on the other side will drive the 20 miles just to see a parade much less the city adminstrative bozo's who will ride in it. I almost forgot dont forget to have each car,float and child are displaying a stars and bars for good measure. NANNY NANNY BOO BOO ANNEX THAT... sarc

Long-Timer TOO said...

Move it all up north as they are the only ones' that can afford to payfor it anyway. Who really cares where the parade is held as it is really jsut a "Crime Fest" anyway, but it does show that the City Manager Girl is fully under the thumb of Madame Mayor and her posse! The more that things are pushed, the more they stay the same as they always have been here in little ole' Suffolk. And I guess my comments are as good as Milteer's since I have been here for over fifty years too! While I have never had the opprotunity not to vote for him, I would say his time hase come and gone and he should retire to his country manner in Whaleyville. Madame Mayor is in charge and Milteer is asleep, except to offend one and all. Some city council we have!

Anonymous said...

Since one third of the city's taxes are paid by residents in the Sleepy Hole Borough, why not have a parade to acknowledge their considerable contribution. Lets have a new annual parade event called the "Fleece-em Good". Each borough will be represented. Curtis Milteer's Marching Garbage Can Band will represent his borough. Jeff Gardy's warehouse forklifts will demonstrate precision driving. Charles Parr's rolling casket floats will exemplify downtown's future. Joe Barlow's farm tractor will pull a 1/4 scale model of the new King's Highway Bridge that looks just like the old one. Barkley and Johnson will be handing out promisory notes for cash, while Charles Brown will be promoting his consulting firm. Look for the Media Press Release from Debbie George's Office three days after the event.

Anonymous said...

Toasted Cracker inferred about the money and power from Riverview. Another narrow minded ignorant Suffolk resident. My home in Riverview is assessed for $220,000.00. What is your house assessed for Toastd Cracker?

Anonymous said...

Happy Apollo Day 40th Anniversary ya'll. To those who graduated from the government school system July 20 1969 was the date Apollo 11 landed on the moon. For those that failed to graduate from government schools, the moon is that the big round white object in the sky you see at night.

toasted cracker said...

To respond to the 4:55 comment. You must be joking? Riverview pales compared to Harborview's assessed values. Friend you need to get out and see what happened up yonder. If you feel it necessary to be ignorant and narrow minded you certainly live in the right neighborhood.

Anonymous said...

Did not mean to offend you Toasted Cracker, but you did miss my point. I certainly do realize that there are some expensive homes in N. Suffolk. I am not jealous or envious of these people who own them. I'm sure that are well educated and have earned the right to afford what they desire. Obviously you have a probem with that. Most people dislike the rich, but most people strive to become rich.
Your statement about "the tug of money and power from Riverview to Harborview" is what i was referring to. Again, my modest home in Riverview is assessed at $220,000.00. Not much "money" here.
Get a decent paying job Toasted Cracker and maybe go back for your GED.

Anonymous said...

When it comes to real estate taxes, neighborhood amenities and overall appeal, northern Suffolk is "towing the rope" and is "heads" above the rest of the city. If it wasn't for northern Suffolk, the city would look just like the city of Franklin (a city losing it's smell). As for Riverview, that is probably one of the most over-rated and over-valued neighborhoods in town.

Harborview Commando said...

We hear yet again from the Riverview commentators about "narrow minded ignorant Suffolk residents". This seems to be thier thinking, when their view of things is not in line with that of the rest of us in Suffolk. Now that the ever present Steven "the past city manager" Herbert has sold his house and finally moved to Virginia Beach, who represents these overbearing hacks? One can expect the name calling to rise to a shrill level as they decay into obscurity as the center of the city shifts to the north, as it has and surely will continue. My home in Harborview is four times the value stated by my riverview neighbor and yes I pay four times the taxes. I am not alone in this situation and yes I do demand some recognition that the "Old-Downtown" is no longer the center of the universe, nor representative of all that is Suffolk! To assume otherwise reflects only the thinking of a small, narrow minded, and ignorant Suffolk resident, that happens to live in riverview.

I predict that even the Suffolk Biggots like Curtis "Mr. Whalyevile" Milter (who thinks time in place matters) will soon be eclipsed by the reality that Northern Suffolk is what Suffolk is and will become as the rest of his time slips away. As we grow in the North end of Town and become the population center of the City with more than two representatives on council, we will command council and things will change for sure. As the voting power moves North, so will the real power center of the City move to refelct more of our interests. I see a day not to far into the future, where the Courts and City Hall are moved to refelct this new reality and fact. Perhaps then my riverview neighbor will be able to sell his home to the "Slum-Lords of Suffolk" and join us in the real Suffolk, north of Route 17.

Anonymous said...

In regards to the comments posted by others in response to the July 20, 2009 (4:55) posting, can you not read? As an educator, I would think people would read and see that this person is advocating some of your thoughts. He is saying that Riverview is actually not the exclusive neighborhood with ostentatious, prevailing individuals that you are implying. Quite the contrary, he is agreeing that as a Riverview homeowner his house is not as expensive and elaborate as in some of the newer neighborhoods in northern Suffolk.

Anonymous said...

Did anyone say ostentatious or exclusive neighborhood? Hmmm, a little insecure or is it self-imposed guilt? Maybe you are, maybe you aren't. I don't care.

The issue at hand is whether influence of money and power is flowing from once politicaly powerful Riverview to Harborview? That is the question. It should be obvious to everyone except for a very confused soul or two, that it has. Why? Because property tax revenue from the Sleepy Hole Borough is more than one third of the combined revenue of all boroughs. Harborview generates a huge share of that, but for years have received mere table scraps compared to Riverview.

Take heart with the honest fact that no one cares how much your Riverview home is assessed, or how high a level of education you attained GED or otherwise. We don't care about the lifestyle you live.

The cruel reality is downtown old timers, good old boys and power brokers have failed you once again. Now it's all about the growth and transfer of political influence and power to Harborview and that is that.

rpock said...

Are the buzzards circling over the aging downtown? Some folks think so and base it on the City Manager having the audacity to even consider moving the “Holiday Parade” to an unidentified Suffolk area referred to as North Suffolk.
Is this a conspiracy or what; TGIF sometimes held at Bennetts Creek Park instead of behind the revered Hilton Garden Inn. Some believe Downtown Suffolk has an exclusive right to these events because they originated South of the Nansemond bridge on Main. Or is it merely that certain city officials figure those events must be shared when they can be with all Suffolk citizens.

Harborview Commando said...

This tread reflects the real thought processes of many in Suffolk. The older neighborhoods in Riverview, including the Old-Downtown want to continue to claim power, but are running headlong into the reality that the North end of Town is where it is really happening. The Riverview Crowd, and yes you know who that is, want the world to stand still and for them to have sway over all. Well, that just is not going to be how it is. With the growth of the Harborview area and many areas north of Rt-17, it seems as though the real question to ask: What does the rest of the City have to offer in comparison, other than wharehouses and farms? I would be content to seeing this argument lead to the spliting of the City into "North Suffolk" and "South Suffolk", kinda like the Korea's. That way the Riverview Crowd can retain power and sway over the heyseeds and let the rest of us in Harborview move on to become the econnomic powerhouse we are destined to be.

This issue of the parade is only the spark that has enlightened the difference in perspective in our present city and situation. The only question I have left is, how are they going to keep us down on the farm from now on?

Anonymous said...

Harborview Commando accurately summarized what most citizens are thinking. There is little hope that ditribution of resources between upper and lower Nansemond will ever happen. So while Route 17Corridor gives, Downtown takes. This imbalance cannot go on much longer, something has got to be done...and soon. Our Mayor the begger is in a tough spot. Give in to the downtowners and lose support at home or tell them its time to share with the rest of Suffolk. Like the spoiled children they raised, downtowners don't know how to share.

Anonymous said...

Is there a conflict of interest if Parr provided the coffin?

Anonymous said...

I also agree with Commnado. He has sumarized the situation with clearity and insight. The Downtown crowd has always been selfish and demanding and now we know that they really have less and less pull every year. I hope that the Parade does come up here, just for spite if nothing else. It now looks like they are slipping in the area of the effective "Whine" for more and more attention and money. It is time that they realize to get some, they must give some!

The center of life in our city is pushing north and that is just the way it is. I would hope that we would see more city offices and resources come north as we are paying most of the taxes anyway. Those of us that live in the north end of town should have some say and get some increased level of services. For loud-mouth milteer to assume that the dolling-out of resources is done by a test of how long you have been here just is not gon'a cut it anymore. I have lived in Eclipse for more than 40 years and that should be enough to qualify as a citizen in good standing. I usually don't go downtown much and will do so less now that I understand how I am regarded there. Milteer can keep his farms and old mill town area south of downtown, if he can just keep his mouth shut and do the bidding of the oldtown slumlords that controlmuch of downtown anyway. What an embarassment he is and the same is true to Parr and Gardy! The two best one's on council are from up here, Johnson and Barclay. Here is hope'n that we can seperate from teh hacks like milteer to the south and become the real Suffolk in the future. Then we can have our own parade.

Anonymous said...

How about someone providing a link,a pie chart something that lays proof to the point that Sleepy Burrrough and the rest of the north carrying the load or the brunt of the taxes of this city. Just asking.

Anonymous said...

If the northern folks want the Christmas parade then so be it. With that being said are you going to want to host Sankofa as well? If the city were to fund a christmas parade or an event where there would be a HIP HOP CLAUS THEME? HISPANIC PONCHO CLAUS THEME? You want PNUT FEST? You want to take on that event to? Where and who is going to fund it. Many are upset that the city provide funds to them. A event that didnt cost them a cent to see kicked off.Are you ready to take that on as a privately sponsored event that benefits the entire city and is a non profit organization? The intrastructure of the north isnt capable of taking this event on and the crowds that come to the city Where do you propse to hold it? Is there a "Max Yeager" in that area who will donate the land? (If you dont know who he was, try Google.) Good luck folks in your attempt to shift all of the city into your city.If you want,you have to take it all... AND ITS EVENTS

Anonymous said...

Great comment "we can have our OWN parade will it be ALL?

Northerner said...

Sounds like sour-grapes. Those in this city that seem to feel that nothig will ever change, are either self-diluted or stupid. There is no reason that the Christmas Parade can't be done in Harborview and Downtown on alternate years. To assume that the only place things can be done is on Main Street only highlights the fact that too many believe that they have a claim to all, just because they have been here for a few years. The thinking by Councilman Milteer and others' that nothing should be done in the North-end of town, just because all the new stuff has not been here their entire lives, is dumb and counter to the claim they make when they want our money, that we are all one Suffolk! It looks like they really mean "one-way Suffolk" where our money and taxes are invited to downtown, but not our rights of demands for fair treatment!

Time to hold the Christmas Parade in Harborview and move other city sponsored events around our large and growing city to balance the benefits and include one and all. It is also time for the small minds in town like Milteer to retire to country life, where they can claim they have been here for over so many years and not have such stupidity injected into the governance of our City. Good idea Selena, now follow through.

Mr. Holland said...

Here is the deal:

The only people that want the power, glory, money, and attention in Northern Suffolk are the politicians, bureaucrats, and kool-aid drinkers from the Northern end.

The fact is that most of the residents of the Northern end have nothing to do with the southern/downtown part of the city. Most of those peole are trasnplants that have no city pride, and are probably NOT interested in the well being of the city, the city's future, or a parade.

I don't care if the population and tax base are bigger up there - those people don't give a care about a parade of any major festivities that that the city has.

The NS residents moved here from PTown and Chesapeake but still work, go to the store and go to church is Eastern Tidewater.

The turn-out for a NS parade will be much smaller than the DT one. I have gone to the Eclipse 4th of July parade every year for the past 6 or 7 years, and for a region with a larger population, it had poor, poor, poor turnout for the event. That would never happen in town.

Is it because there won't be as many high-dollar homes down the parade route? Or is it because the smell of peanuts will deter tourists from coming? Downtown is the real Suffolk! It is what people should think of when they think of Suffolk.

Andy is right! The key to the success of every city is a strong downtown. Without that, the rest of the city will have a bad stigma that follows it. In the southern end, we willfully go to NS for things all the time. Why not ask the NS residents to come our way every once in a while? Downtown is nice. I hope you don't get lost looking for it.

Anonymous said...

Well after the personal atacks and dodging the questions presented. Would our northern neighbors entertain Sankofa festival? You stopped in your comments by saying Christmas Parade in Harborview and then said move the other events to other parts of the city. I see the same bigotry in your comments as in Milteers. Whats the difference in the two of you other than askin color? I have no problem with the parade rotating around any and all communities that make up the city. And that includes all events not selected cherry picked ones.If you want your own parade ask the private sector to provide the funds. Maybe you could keep the money from fill the boot this Labor Day weekend, its a start.

Mr. Holland said...

Anonymous:

I know Curtis and leave the color of our skin out of it. That has nothing to do with anything. Don't take cheap shots at me while you can't even defend your own side of the argument.

Also, do any of you know anything about "leaving well enough alone"? The parade works out fine in town and that's where is should stay.

In most other localities, parades are held in a central point that can be referred to as the main part of town.

By slowly taking the attraction from town, Suffolk will begin to lose its identity and wind up like Va Beach. That is not the Suffolk that I know and love. It may be ok for a newbie to the city.

Anonymous said...

The newbies from the north for years have made the entire arguement about race, criminals etc etc, throwing bricks and stripping cars and their neighbor hoods seeing an increase in crime.They think that it all comes from South Suffolk. The fact racisim is what it's is all about but cant come right out and say it. Milteer didnt do anything less or more.He knew what he was saying and what he meant and no one called him out on it. Racism is the crux of the problem. Let North Suffolk see if they can do what other smaller communities in the city of Atlanta did. Incorporate.
I see shades of Atlanta in Suffolk

I presented questions that should be answered. I am a big believer in the old city and I want it to grow and maybe some of its glory can return. Its the north that doesnt want their tax dollars to be used in any type of revitalization to downtown. You havent heard one word about the possible tax dollar being used for Obici House. Why? Its up north but I dont hear any complaining from the south. It was the city leaders over the years both white and black who ignored this gift. Thus no matter what happens with the pvt sector the city owes the Obici House compensation and help.I again ask the question what about the Sankfao festival. Is it worthy enough to be held up north? Could the question be are they worthy and capable of hosting it?

Anonymous said...

Once upon a time in New York City parades were held in the downtown business district. In NY, City Hall and the Courthouse are located near downtown. Today almost without exception they are held uptown in Mid-town Manhattan. Why do you think that happened? Both districts have mass transit. They have extensive staging areas and limited residences on the parade route. New York's commerce and merchants pushed them to move uptown for valid reasons and so should Suffolk. If the city Council wants to throw downtowners a bone, move the Peanut Fest to the Peanut District makes perfect sense.

Mr. Holland said...

Last time I checked, this was Suffolk, Virginia - NOT NY,NY. What works for one city does NOT necessarily work for another.

The folks in NS have no concern for DT and its outlaying areas. Why should they? They have their own Wal-Mart, movie theater,and country club (the latter of the two do not exist in town).

Harborview Commando said...

The problem with this reaonsing is that those like Milteer who are willing to take and take, but never give! Statements that show this are found in comments like this: "Andy is right! The key to the success of every city is a strong downtown. Without that, the rest of the city will have a bad stigma that follows it. In the southern end, we willfully go to NS for things all the time. Why not ask the NS residents to come our way every once in a while?"

The old downtown is of little interest to most of us and is just "History". The cost to keep up the old dusty claims of a slowly dying group will bankrupt us all if we accept this kind of thinking. It is time to take the statements made that the Parade and attention should move to our City Center are true, but that "City Center" is now and will become even more so the "Harborview area". The new downtown of Suffolk is north of RT-17 and that fact should be viewed as it is found by truth. While I mean no disrespect or to make any racial demeaning remarks, the fact is that the old downtown is not worth saving at any price. If it can't make it on its own, then that is fine and it will die-off.

Time for the old-timers to let go of the thoughts that all Suffolk is downtown. If not, perhaps they are having regrets about merging with the rest of us in 1974. The real claim in all of this is that Harborview will most likely be the new Downtown/City-Center in just a few years and that means that Adny Damiani is right and Harborview is where thngs should be done. As the council refelcts more of the NORSUF area it will come to be by practice too!

So those of you in Riverview and Old-Downtown, get a grip and just accept that things are a-change'n. Bring on the Parade and more, but you can keep Milteer all for your very own!

Mr. Holland said...

Harbourview Commando:

Have you not recently looked at a map? Many people from the Tidewater Area have to go through or around DT Suffolk to get to Richmond, DC, and Emporia. The thought that it is a waste to invest in the lower half of the city is asinine.

While NS can bring in $$$ from Churchland, DT can bring in the big bucks, also.

More than likely, you did not live in Suffolk when this debate occured, so I will educate you for a minute:

Years ago, when the 17/664 corridor was made up of farmland and a few small business establishments (much like the 13,32,460,10,and 58 corridors), the debate began as to whether or not more development was needed in that region. I was FOR the modest development; Suffolk needed the money.

Many people were in staunch opposition. Most from that region. However, I knew that it was for the best of our city at the given time.

Flash forward to today. Suffolk needs money, we have a weak downtown area. What we need is a revitalization of downtown like we did in NS 12+ years ago. The same concept for growth and revitalization still exists today. Maybe one day, you will understand how important the entire city is.

Anonymous said...

A parade in a strip center, yep thats the new UPTOWN. You want the events? You take them all.Where is the new location of Pnut Feat. Where will Sankofa be held? Dont ask for one dime to pull of Peanut Fest...we in the south cannot afford any more taxes.One other thing you get Milteer too.I think that the Chuckatuck area could accomadate all of the events aa well would be better than Harborview,Chuckatuck a least has a "downtown".Its not a strip center.

Anonymous said...

Move the crime fest uptown. A least for a day downtown will be safe. ..sarc.. With the thugs from downtown, Churchland, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, surely the PD will arrest everyone who takes part in criminal activity. Maybe a dog abuser would like to attend. He was a "neighbor" you know.Some of his homeboys could make the trip across the James.

Anonymous said...

A parade in Chuckatuck is a great idea. There is only one small problem, Route 10. Then as was already pointed out in an earlier post the KH bridge is out and no one in this city council want that issue to flash back.

A parade through the new Suffolk to the North? Why not past a strip mall. There plent going up all over the city excret downtown. Our EDA doesn't have a problem with them. If fact the last two appointees live in the Northside and do business in the downtown. Hey go figure that?

Harborview Commando said...

With more than five old business in Downtown on main street now closed and their windows papered over, why is that better than holding the Christmas Parade in the north end of Suffolk? Some have said that NS is a stripmall, but how is Main Street any different other than the old delapidated buildings and slums near-by? If this is the history of Suffolk that must be proped-up at any cost, then none for me please.

The fact is that the north end of our City is where the action and growth is at and no revisionist of history will change that. Calims that more should be done for Downtown, when so much has already been spent there over the last several years is stupid and selfish. Our money paid for the Culture Center (over $10,000,000), the Court Complex ( over $22,000,000), the Hotel and Conference Center (over $16,000,000), the Health Building (over $15,000,000) and the fairgrounds (0ver $17,000,000) and that is just the big projects! That is over $80,000,000 spent in pushing a dead mule some call our Downtown and that does not even include the millions of additional money spent proping-up the SCCA, Hotel, and so on. We don't even ahve a boat ramp any longer.

So for some selfish, spiteful, and ignorant souls to somehow state that downtown is not getting its share of our resources, that is just off the charts. As these people slowly are drowned out by better ideas and more reasonable people, more recognition that the North End of town is really our new City Center or "Downtown" will prevail. As such, lets start the parade down the Harborview area and just accept that we have a new city and it does not need to keep a corpse like old-Suffolk alive with artifical means and big-bags of our money any longer!

Anonymous said...

Sankofa? Pnut fest? Again I hear the crickets chirping..Will you take those events on as they are staged now and where? You wont on the Sankofa and you have no resoruces to host Pnut fest if so let us know.

king leo said...

To 3:46 commentator. As the unofficial despot for North Suffolk and a man of color, I proclaim North Suffolk will henceforth take all events away from downtown including Peanutfest, Sankofa, and Chinese New Year. This shall also include observances like Veterans, Memorial and Independence Day. I will recognize April is Confederate History month as I would February is Black History. Because I am of neither color and there are tens of millions more of us than you, I proclaim August as Everyone Else Month with a parade and festival.

Since we are on the subject of the December Holiday Parade perhaps we can stay on topic.

Anonymous said...

We all know this is about race when it comes to NS hosting the Christmas parade even coming from the CM.When reading the posted thread introducing the topic even hints at it.
"We all know who makes up the bulk of the parade audience downtown"

Where is the outcry on those comments? None because of truth? It'as very easy to cherry pick the people you disagree with. Even when it comes to racism being used and or hinted at as it was in the original thread.But there is none? So to bring it to the level and point some of you refuse to respond to. Will you entertain Sankofa? If the CM and other members of council are for moving the parade, There should be no exemption to the type of event. I dont care what the mayor says or thinks by remaining silent on this issue that affects the city and ALL the citizens. You get one, you take one you get them all. If not watch what a first year law student could do and lets not forget the feds. So if you want to rotate the sites between NS and DT then so be it.If three people can bring suit over hot dogs,labeling and cancer,you need to take that and consider it to three people from DT,Holland,Whayleville,Driver, Chuckatuck or other, It makes no difference of their skin color or if they even live in the city.I bet it isnt worth the chance.But if it is and you folks up north "lose" out who you going to blame? The mayor and market street for something you want and they want. But with conditions?

Anonymous said...

So much heat and hostility over a simple thing like the Christmas Parade and where to hold it? I would also state that it is true that a law suit could be brought, but it would suffer a quick claim under a "demure" and be tossed out of court quite quickly. What is the claim and who is harmed? Someone did not getting what they wanted? Another case of scare-tactics and sour-grapes because you can't make a case on the merits of the facts, so.

The fact is that more and more of the City services, activities, and people will be locating north of Route 17 as many have stated, and it is just how it is! So those who demand to artifically keep a dying downtown as the center of the universe in Suffolk, must be recognized as just being full of hot-air. The City is people and we are up north in Harborview and the surounding developments, and claims of longevity in Suffolk will not change that, no matter what Council-hack Milteer and others says.

The City Manager is insightful in her proposal to move the Christmas Parade to Harborview and yes you can keep the other events for now. The airport is where Peanut Fest will be held for the next few years, just due to lack of anywhere else to have it. The rest of the events are not part of the discussion yet, so we will leave them alone, for now.

So I hope to see you all in Harborview this year when we hold the Christmas Parade near my home. There are also homes for sale up here and we would welcome one and all too. Andy Damiani, Curtis Milteer and company can keep their downtown and slums, and we will keep a new and vibrant area fo Suffolk, called North Suffolk.

Anonymous said...

One act as if NS paid all of the tax money used on the projects mentioned. Excuse me you paid your fare share as everyone else did We thank you for your portion. In fact all of Suffolk thanks you. If the fine folks in NS are fed up. Take the legal route raise the funds to hire your legal team and incorporate.Based on present economic conditions and ALL of the tax base that you have, go for it. You will never be able to commence to stand on your own as a city, town or village. You have no resources of your own. Go for it...

Anonymous said...

Plenty of homes for sale in 2435 zip code, including 14 forclosed properties, not including bankruptices, gee did some folks up there get their loans from Freedie and Fannie?
Suffolk City YTD
County Info Foreclosures: 63
Preforeclosures: 0
Bankruptcies: 135
FSBOs: 13
Tax Liens: 0
Auctions: 0
QuickSale℠: 0

Maybe now Milteer can afford now to "move on up"

Harborview Commando said...

I agree that NORSUF should incorportate, but disagree that there are no resources. We in NORSUF pay the bulk of taxes yet get the least of the assets. This says it all to make my argument:

"You will never be able to commence to stand on your own as a city, town or village. You have no resources of your own. Go for it..."

We have been cheated for years and how the chickens are coming home to roost! Don't sent us your thanks, just send the Christmas Parade up our way! You can keep the rest including Milter!

Anonymous said...

Class warfare at it's best. The old downtowners' feel that have a hammerlock on all that is Suffolk and are now finding out that it just ain't so anymore!

The folks that live in North Suffolk are awakening to the reality that they have been screwed for too long and will not take it anylonger. The argument about the parade is just the first of many that will show exactly this.

Waiting to retire said...

The parade will stay in old-downtown for now, but the manager is not going to be as helpful to the downtowners as in the past due to this slight to her ideas and power. Expect to see some cuts in the SCCA gifts in the future as she get even for this embassment to her power and ego.

Remember, kiss the ring or else you will be struck down!

Anonymous said...

For all of the newbies that came to Suffolk from places like Michigan,New Jersey and other states that are dying. All I can is... the last one to leave turn out the lights. You moved to a city that is rich in history where you come from has nothing to do with ours.So stop trying to change ours for your benefit. Damn carpet baggers.

Suffolk old Family said...

Just remember that not all people who have lived in what is now Suffolk for their entire lives. come from downtown. I and my family have lived here for almost 170 years and we have never nor would we ever live in the old downtown. The crime is bad, the demands to contol everything is bad and we just don't want to live on top of everyone else.

I have been to the parade a few times and find that it is not worth asking to move. It has become little more than a chance for some to make political statements and preen themselves. If moving the parade will change this I am all for it. If it is going to be the same as always, then let the downtown people keep it as it is nto worth moving. I really do wish my folks would have fought harder to stop the merger in 1974, but that is water under the bridge, opps, we don' have a bridge anymore!

For those in Suffolk that want to keep downtown growing, do it on your own dime. Since you feel all Suffolk can be found in the old two miles of downtown, don't need my help or money! I am also boycotting all downtown businesses and companies. Maybe if we keep our money out of their pockets they will not have the means to tell us what to do anyfurther!

Just not going to support anything that comes from doentown anymore.

Deb's Education Corner