Letter to the Editor

Fort Monroe plan

January 6, 2009

After reading David Squires' Jan. 1 column, "Taking a look into the crystal ball for 2009," it is important for the public to understand the Fort Monroe approved reuse plan does not include a beachfront casino and amusement park complex or lazy rivers or an indoor water park.

Even though Squires positions his article as his 2009 predictions, it is likely going to create confusion for people who are concerned about the future of Fort Monroe after the BRAC closure in 2011. So, let me set the record straight.

The commonwealth of Virginia is taking a lead role in planning the reuse of Fort Monroe because most of the 570 acres reverts to the state when the Army transfers their military mission from Fort Monroe. The work of the Fort Monroe FADA, the official local development authority, is guided by five priorities:

1. Protect this historic place.
2. Open it up to public use.
3. Establish a large open-space park.
4. Achieve economic sustainability.
5. New development, within strict limits.

Anyone who wishes to review what is planned for the 570-acre site may visit the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority's Web site: www.fmfada.com. The reuse plan was approved in August 2008 by Gov. Tim Kaine. The plan is posted with the supporting technical manuals of studies that inform the planning process.

We are committed to providing public information, our board meetings are open to the public, and presentations to the board are posted on the Web site. Our next board meeting is today, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Bay Breeze Community Center on Fort Monroe.

Bill Armbruster
Executive director, Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority