THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 17, 1994 TAG: 9408170443
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANCIE LATOUR, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
Representatives of the Camelot neighborhood leveled accusations of racism against developer W.W. Reasor and the City Council on Tuesday, saying that their majority-black neighborhood has been neglected for decades.
In response to the outcry, the mayor and a council member urged residents and the developer to set aside long-standing resentments and keep sight of the main goal: bettering the community and the city as a whole.
The City Council postponed for a second time a rezoning request by Reasor to allow for 78 new homes on five unused lots totaling about 24 acres. Several council members said that before approving Reasor's plan, they want him to make additional improvements to the community. Reasor began developing the neighborhood in 1966.
Residents said they don't trust Reasor. They want land dedicated for a park - and not the overgrown 3-acre lot Reasor has pledged to give them. They said their kids are forced to play in the streets.
Councilman John M. de Triquet said he recognized the strong undercurrent of mistrust and frustration that has surged with the proposed rezoning. But he implored Camelot residents to have faith that the council will base its decision on merit, not race.
``We've heard black, white, racism, bias and oppression,'' said de Triquet ``and we take these charges very seriously.
``While we adults argue, squabble and bicker, who still doesn't have what they need?'' de Triquet asked a crowd of more than 100 Camelot residents, who came in car pools to oppose the rezoning request. ``The children, that's who. I admonish you to do what is best for your children.''
Nettie Bailey, director of the Camelot Youth Movement, said: ``If the council votes to approve the rezoning we can only conclude that the council is biased against the Camelot community. Does the council plan to ignore us, being predominantly black?''
The accusations of prejudice leveled by residents against Reasor caused Mayor William E. Ward to apologize several times to an agent representing the developer.
``He may be a shrewd businessman,'' Ward said of Reasor, who was not present, ``but he is definitely not a crook.''
Vice Mayor Arthur L. Dwyer proposed several changes to Reasor's plan. His changes would prohibit residents from occupying the 78 proposed single-family homes until Camelot Elementary School is ready to accommodate the estimated 44 students that would be living in the new homes. The Camelot expansion is expected to be completed by September 1996.
Dwyer said he hoped the changes would assure the people of Camelot that the city is not turning its back on them.
``I had a number of people come up to me and say, `If you can guarantee that roads will be improved and schools will be built on, then we're happy with what you're going to do,' '' Dwyer said of Camelot residents who approached him after the hearing.
Dwyer said Reasor's plan can save the city money. For instance, Reasor's offer to widen Camelot Boulevard would eliminate the need to improve Gilmerton Road, saving the city $2.4 million.
Ward said he would not support the request unless Reasor makes the effort to meet with the community leaders. He wants Reasor to do more to develop the 3 acres into a park, such as grading the site and installing playground equipment.
After the meeting, civic-league members expressed more mistrust of de Triquet's plea for compromise.
C.C. Hawkins, the Community Watch coordinator for Camelot, described the meeting as ``a pre-planned event that was well-rehearsed and deserved Academy Awards.''
Larry Spruill, president of the civic league, threatened to sue the city and Reasor if the council grants Reasor's request.
But de Triquet said that the public hearing and the delay should be seen as a beginning to a dialogue.
The council will take up the issue again on Sept. 20.
KEYWORDS: CHESAPEAKE CITY COUNCIL
by CNB