Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 25, 1993 TAG: 9302250241
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
TECH '93 GRADS' CELEBRATION REQUEST DENIED
Town Council has denied a request from Virginia Tech's graduating class to hold its "Senior Celebration" party in the Progress Street parking lot.The Class of 1993 wanted to use the downtown parking lot on May 6 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for a pregraduation party that would include live entertainment, food and non-alcoholic beverages.
After hearing opposition from members of the Downtown Merchants Association on Tuesday, Council voted unanimously to deny use of the Progress Street lot for the party that organizers say will attract about 3,000 students.
"I am very skeptical and have concerns," Town Manager Ron Secrist said about the proposal. "I just don't believe that this is the best location for this event."
The past four years, the senior celebration has been held on campus at Lane Stadium, but a decision by the university to prohibit alcohol prompted class officers to explore other locations to hold the event.
Secrist said Tom Goodale, Tech's vice president of student affairs, told him that Lane Stadium was available for this year's party.
Council members commended the class officers for their excellent organization and presentation, but agreed that approving the project could present problems.
Though no alcoholic beverages would be served at the party, downtown merchants said they were worried about the Progress Street lot's proximity to restaurants and bars.
"You set yourself up for an intensely volatile situation," said Dorothy Egger, owner of Second Seasons on North Main Street.
Michele Gunter, treasurer of the senior class, said the event organizers wanted to use the Progress Street lot because it would provide a central location and more seniors would attend.
The party organizers told council they would put a fence around the parking lot, pay for security monitors and arrange for cleanup after the event.
A survey of 27 members of the Downtown Merchants Association showed 20 members opposed the senior class proposal. Five supported the event and two had no opinion.
Gunter pointed out to council that not all downtown businesses were members of the Merchants Association. A number of businesses - including Dominion Bank, Arnolds, Greeks and the Cellar - supported the proposal, Gunter said.
Gunter said the class officers will now try to persuade university officials to allow them to hold the celebration on the lawn in front of Schultz Hall on Tech's campus.