BRAC Is Over But Stay Vigilant: Pro-Navy citizens in Virginia Beach
can breathe a sigh of relief now
that Jacksonville failed to comply
with BRAC’s directives and
its citizens said no to jets in
a referendum. Luckily, past Council's
kowtowing to developers did not
cost us our largest employer and
strongest economic engine. But
don’t let that sigh prolong
to a snooze. Whispers are already
afoot by those who oppose Oceana
and think the only penalty for
encroachment is a 5-yard penalty.
Those whispers are saying “Let’s
start more developments. They can’t
take the jet base now. Besides,
the Navy says they’ll probably
move in 10 years anyway? Why wait?”
Our military men and women made
a commitment to defend our country
with their lives. We made a commitment
to stop impacting their ability
to train. Turning back on our commitment
to the Navy and breaking our promises
in the shadow of a passing BRAC
would be an insult to our military
and an indictment of our character
as a city. If City Council wants
to jump back into sweetheart development
deals by breaking that commitment,
you better grab your wallet.
