Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The board of supervisors voted to give Mr. Records permission to use Gloucester County staff to help him with his feasibility study for an upriver crossing of the York River. The board did not specify a time frame or limit for the staff. This could go on for days, months or even years. Gloucester County residents pay the staff’s salaries, so this is not a "for free" deal.

Any study done by Mr. Records will be slanted towards his goals as it is his project for someone’s financial gain. The county would then have to do its own feasibility study by an independent source at great expense if the county wants to pursue it. Traffic counts have declined on the Coleman Bridge since 2004. The number of vehicles has dropped an average 4,000 vehicles per day in 2011, according to VDOT figures.

Many homeowners would be adversely impacted by a highway near or through their property. The bridge would be horrendous for waterfront properties, with noise pollution, air pollution, light pollution and sight disturbance. Environmental issues will be forthcoming.

Let’s preserve the York River in its natural state for present and future generations.

Ann Stifel

Gloucester, Va.