THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 16, 1994 TAG: 9410140213
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
Dealings over demolition necessary to put Suffolk's new courthouse downtown fall in the category of no pain, no gain.
As welcome a prospect as the demise of some unoccupied eyesores is, construction plans also involve demolishing some active businesses and putting some people out of their apartments. That is painful, and it is exacerbated by Suffolk's pitiful stock of decent, affordable housing, and the fact that some of the businesses are minority-owned and operated.
It's difficult for business owners and the apartment dwellers to balance their presence downtown and their forced departure with the city's aims of revitalizing the struggling area and luring and retaining business. Understandably, some of them see condemnation of their homes or business quarters as a reflection that the city cares little for them.
If they were being ousted without any consideration, with a simple take-it-or-leave-it offer, that would be so. They're not, and in a nation where the common good sometimes overrides individual good, the city is dealing fairly with the property owners.
Property owners have been offered 93 percent of assessed valuation and - if they agree to remain in Suffolk - an additional 10 percent in relocation aid, even if they leave downtown. Additionally, appropriate agencies are helping find suitable sites for businesses and housing for dislocated tenants.
Because a sizeable chunk of land is needed for the courthouse and parking for it and other downtown structures - including the building into which the Western Tidewater Mental Health Center will be moving - the issue is not ``rightness'' but fairness.
Five possible sites were considered by designers, and they recommended that the building be placed on property now occupied by the former Woolworth's and J.C. Penney department stores. The additional 18 parcels in the total project will be for parking.
Some owners have signed sales contracts, some contracts are pending and other owners will face condemnation proceedings, which permit the city to buy property for what an appraiser says it's worth.
The courthouse is essential for downtown revitalization. It will stimulate ancillary businesses such as restaurants, offices and services. Placing it anywhere else would have been a tremendous blow to downtown. If the municipal government doesn't believe in its downtown, how could it expect anyone else to invest in it?
As unfortunate as it's been that so many downtown buildings have been vacant for so long, it could be in favor of businesses now facing eviction. The city has indicated willingness to work hard to ease relocation; the businesses should take advantage of that.
It's not the role of government to make life difficult, but it is government's role to act in the best interest of most citizens. Arguments of racism aside, the demolition plans do fit the latter. MEMO: Comment? Call 446-2494.
KEYWORDS: SUFFOLK COURTHOUSE
by CNB