Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 19, 1990 TAG: 9005190443
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CATHRYN McCUE NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Real estate agent Arnold Saari spoke to about 130 people at a dinner hosted by the new coalition of developers, bankers and other business leaders.
The group has formed to urge the university to change its slow-growth policy and increase student enrollment over the next decade.
"Citizens for Regional Progress is by no means - and I want to emphasize that - trying to be the tail that wags the dog," Saari said. "But the university does not exist in a vacuum. They have a limited way of knowing what really may be best for the local community."
The group wants Tech to help accommodate a projected 36 percent increase in Virginia high-school graduates by 2004 by boosting its enrollment in Blacksburg to 30,000.
But Tech officials, citing a space crunch and tight budgets, have said the university cannot handle more than 25,000.
"I couldn't say that would change. I couldn't say that wouldn't change," Minnis Ridenour, executive vice president and chief business office for Tech, said in an interview after dinner.
"We have asked for input, and this particular group has put together this proposal and we will simply put that in for consideration."
Ridenour said the university is in the midst of its long-range planning process, and has not taken formal action on the enrollment issue.
"We'd be glad to sit down and talk with them," he said.
Virginia Tech President James McComas was out of town.
Citizens for Regional Progress, in its mission statement made public this week, said Tech's growth locally would enhance growth in Southwest Virginia. Toward that end, the group plans to lobby the General Assembly for funding and legislation that would help Tech grow.
Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon, in a short speech after dinner, said Montgomery County is ripe for economic development - with inexpensive land, a good labor force and an excellent quality of life.
Boucher also praised Tech's research programs and involvement with biotechnology and futuristic transportation technology, but he did not indicate whether he supported increased student growth.
"I don't have any advice on the subject that I know that's foremost on your minds. We'll look to you to inform us of that."
However, Del. Joan Munford, D-Blacksburg, said she would support the group's efforts.
"I can see nothing but good coming out of this kind of coming together and sharing of ideas," she said.
Munford said she opposes building a new university in Northern Virginia - as proposed by Tech and the University of Virginia last year - to handle the increasing number of students.
by CNB