By Charles P. Brinkman, Alexandria
(Stock Image)

To the editor:

A few residents of Alexandria seem to believe that just because things have been a certain way they are entitled to them remaining that way forever.

Some residents near T.C. Williams High School whine that the city promised not to put lights on athletic fields. Not only should the proposed tennis courts have lights, but the football stadium should as well. My children played many soccer games in the dim of twilight.

Other area schools are located near residences, and they have lights. It was a promise that should never have been made.

There are those who oppose bicycle lanes on a portion of King Street, moaning that their apparent inalienable right to parking on the street will be taken from them. I live along upper King Street, where there is no on-street parking.

Then, there are those residents of Old Town who oppose development in the waterfront area. It is in the interest of the entire community to retain our local character, but times change and status quo almost always leads eventually to decay.

Part of living in a community is compromising your interests for the benefit of the community as a whole, which ultimately makes it a more desirable place for you, as well.