It is not available at Pilotonline.com yet, so here it is here:

It is not sufficient to thank the present Mayor and City Council of Virginia Beach for their role in the recent negotiations to preserve Pleasure House Point, although it’s a good place to start.  This effort has been underway for so long, there are others who should be recognized, as well.  In addition to the sitting Council, previous Council members and past Mayor Meyera Oberndorf, are to be commended for maintaining the acquisition of this tract at the top of the Open Space wish list.

  The Virginia Beach Wetlands Board of 2006-07 demonstrated great courage and wisdom in challenging the environmental claims made by the developer.  Numerous respected organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Lynnhaven River NOW, bayfront civic leagues and individual professional experts joined countless ordinary citizens to document and publicize the value of this parcel.  I am pleased to say that the Shore Drive Community Coalition was a part of this effort.

  I, for one, do not rejoice in the difficulties the Sandler brothers are currently facing.  No one should revel in the misfortune of others.  The economic hardship facing many Virginia Beach residents is personal devastation.  Small comfort to them, but without such financial conditions, it is doubtful that much, if any, of Pleasure House Point could remain in its natural state.  We are thankful that something good might come in the midst of bleakness
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Thank you, all who have labored so diligently.  Mayor Will Sessoms, Vice Mayor Louis Jones and honorable Council members, take a bow.