THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 12, 1995 TAG: 9502100262
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
What will be cut to shave a million dollars off the cost of a new I.C. Norcom High School?
At last Tuesday's work session on the Capital Improvement budget, Mayor Gloria Webb reported that efforts had been made to cut the cost of the proposed building, bringing the projected total cost to $32.5 million.
No doubt, something can be cut from a project of this size. The so-called ``frills'' often go first. In the case of the proposed new school, the frills probably should be left in place if we expect Norcom to become a school for all people.
If the city is going to spend more than $30 million for a new building it does not need, then it should make that building so fine and so well-equipped that it will attract people to live in the Downtown area so their kids can attend the school.
This city cannot afford and does not need a new high school building that will perpetuate segregation. If we make a token $1 million cut and lose the general appeal of the school, then there is no reason to build it. by CNB