Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 21, 1993 TAG: 9310280333
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN S. EDWARDS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
We have faced economic difficulties before and we can still forge a prosperous future, despite these setbacks. But we must have a common vision and purpose to do this. As the Scriptures say: "Where there is no vision, the people perish."
Two factors are essential to a common vision: (1) It must be based on the existing strengths and resources in the valley, and (2) each of the localities and segments of our population must perceive a stake in that vision.
We cannot just adopt the vision of other successful communities; what may work in one place may not work in another. Likewise, the vision must be widely supported for it to succeed.
Too often in the past, one locality or one segment of the community has promoted a project only to see it fail because it lacks one of these two important elements. For example, a vision solely for downtown Roanoke may not be seen as in the interest of other localities or those who would prefer, for example, neighborhood projects. Explore, initially touted as the solution to economic development, had difficulties at first because too few citizens saw it as benefiting them. Having been scaled down and refocused, Explore appears now to be succeeding.
A dialogue among business, government, civic and labor leaders will, it's hoped, lead to a common vision. Effective political leadership is also needed to articulate and build support for a common vision.
Our valley has many strengths and resources that can form the basis of this common vision. We are a major medical center and a strong financial center. We have a sound professional community of lawyers, doctors, accountants, architects and engineers, and a capable work force with a solid work ethic. We also have good public schools, active civic and cultural organizations, natural scenic beauty and accessible recreational resources. Especially important to our future is the valley's close proximity to fine colleges and universities, including a major research institution, Virginia Tech.
As one of the most desirable communities in which to live, in terms of scenic beauty and a friendly and inviting population, this valley ought to be ripe for economic growth. It only lacks a common vision based on its own strengths and resources and one in which all localities and segments of the community can buy into.
One of the projects that ought to be a focus of a common vision is Hotel Roanoke. This is not just a downtown Roanoke project or private-business venture, but has the potential to be a springboard for regional economic growth.
The hotel is economically viable only in conjunction with a conference center or trade and convention center. A conference center in turn can only succeed with a commitment from Virginia Tech to sponsor conferences. The project would also benefit by the placement of a university department - such as the hotel- management department - on site. The resulting closer ties between the valley and Tech would then attract more "high tech" industries based on available research and educational resources.
This project, if properly designed, can also help to alleviate the parking problems of the Roanoke Civic Center. By building sufficient space to accommodate overflow parking at the civic center, it can serve to solve the most intractable problem it faces.
Future prosperity will require an educated work force engaged in high technology located near a major educational and research institution. The possibilities of the hotel project in bringing the valley closer to Tech can thus form part of a valley vision - and a regional vision - which is needed to shape our future.
\ John S. Edwards is an attorney who lives in Roanoke.
by CNB