Editor, the News-Herald:

The approval for a $3.85 million HUD Section 108 Loan for the Fairgrounds Initiative Project will provide a much needed improvement program for the redevelopment of East Washington Street.

The vision to revitalize this business and neighborhood section of our city has made great progress since the appointment of the Fairgrounds Citizen Oversight Committee by City Council. Mrs. Lula Holland is doing a great job as chairwoman of this committee.

I commend our City Council and our city administration for being successful in obtaining this HUD loan. In cooperation with the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the completion of this much-needed project will give our citizens another reason to say, &uot;It’s a good time to be in Suffolk.&uot;

Dr. George H. Barnett

Suffolk