To the editor:

During 2012, there were numerous references to the U.S. Route 460 toll road project in the local newspapers and on television. A number of Suffolk residents will lose property, including homes and farms, due to the project. The Suffolk City Council has not put forth any efforts to save our property, homes and farms.

On the other hand, the governing body in Isle of Wight County has had numerous meetings in an effort to keep its citizens aware of the impact of the project on their community. In fact, the road’s alignment was moved to save homes because of the objections of the citizens at local meetings being sponsored by the county supervisors. A number of Suffolk citizens learned about the project by attending the Isle of Wight meetings.

The project is going to cost the taxpayers in the city of Suffolk many dollars because the City Council has not stood up for its citizens in this matter. One point of cost will be to the public schools and public works. There will be a number of roads turned into cul-de-sacs due to the project cutting the roads in half. One example of the cul-de-sac effect is a farmer who will have to travel approximately 10 miles to get from one side of his farm to the other.

Yes, there are taxpayers in the city of Suffolk who wake up every morning not knowing when their homes, property and farms will be seized. Remember, we are living in the land of the free and the home of the brave. But your government, from the local to the federal level, can seize your homes, property and farms under eminent domain, and you, the taxpayers, are helpless.

Have a joyful and prosperous 2013.

Dr. Alvin W. Anderson

Suffolk