THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 8, 1995 TAG: 9506080419
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALEX MARSHALL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
Converting Church Street into a four-lane divided highway would either revitalize or kill the historic black district, speakers representing the two points of view said Wednesday at City Hall.
Vice Mayor Paul R. Riddick led a group of small business people whose barbershops, funeral homes and restaurants would be torn down. The councilman said the neighborhood must work ``to eliminate the plan for a four-lane highway.''
The $12 million project, Riddick argued, would convert Church Street, once lined with small stores and businesses, into little more than a thoroughfare to get from one part of the city to another.
``The fast tracks always seem to come through the black neighborhoods,'' Riddick said. ``Colley Avenue isn't a fast track. Colonial Avenue isn't a fast track.''
On those nearby streets, Riddick said, stores and offices serve the neighborhood. Riddick said Church Street could be similar.
``I would like to be able to walk to a shoe store or a fish shop without crossing a four-lane highway,'' Riddick said.
Riddick said businesses forced to move from Church Street could expect little help from the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Riddick had to move a funeral home business in 1985, after more than 50 years in the same location.
``The NRHA kicked me out,'' Riddick said.
Pat Gomez, an NRHA official at the meeting, did not respond to Riddick's criticism. But earlier in the meeting, Gomez said the project would create ``a modern, four-lane, landscaped highway'' that would bring in new businesses.
Some business people on or near Church Street, as well as some nearby residents, agreed with Gomez. They saw the highway as a chance to tear down a blighted area infected with crime and prostitution.
Tim Walter, of Baker Roofing, said his trucks would have an easier time on a more modern highway.
``Look at Virginia Beach Boulevard,'' Walters said, referring to the relatively new, eight-lane portion of the road in Virginia Beach. ``It looks real nice.''
``It will help property values for everyone and attract new businesses,'' said D. Scott Pritchet, of Snow Jr. & King, a masonry contractor with more than 200 employees.
The $12 million proposal to expand Church Street from Goff to Granby streets has been talked about for years. Councilman Joseph N. Green Jr. urged all concerned businesses and residents to come to an agreement so the project could be built. ILLUSTRATION: Staff file photo by MOTOYA NAKAMURA/
The proposed four-lane section of Church Street would be similar to
this newly widened section of Church Street, seen from the
Goff-Church street intersection. Some residents have said that the
street could become a ``fast track.''
by CNB