Fentress housing could be reconsidered

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - Chesapeake City Council could reconsider its vote for a housing development near the Navy's Fentress airfield.

The 15-acre site off Mount Pleasant Road where 31 homes are planned is not far from the Navy's Fentress airfield where F/A 18 Hornet pilots practice landings.

The Navy has voiced opposition to the plan that the Chesapeake City Council approved last week. Neighbors have mixed views about the project.

"It's dangerous over there when they're flying," Cheryl Gregory said. "To have homes there is a dangerous situation if there's a crash."

Mary Bennett said she does not oppose the housing development.

"A few more homes aren't going to hurt anything, so we might as well go ahead and build the homes. This area has grown by leaps and bounds," Bennett said.

After the council's vote, the Navy asked the panel to reconsider.

"The Navy's objection needs to be listened to," Councilwoman Debbie Ritter said. "They've always been a great partner and we need to be able to move forward."

Councilwoman Ella Ward agrees, and says this would give more time for discussion.

"At least it will give us time for the council to sit down with the Navy again and for the residents of Ravenna to come to a better understanding of what the needs of the Navy are and what the needs of the community are," Ward said.

Ritter expects the panel to vote to reconsider the housing development at its March 19 meeting.