THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, February 13, 1996 TAG: 9602130001
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
Now they're talking.
Today, Norfolk and Virginia Beach city councils will discuss hiring a Miami-based consultant with a track record of planning and coordinating regional projects. The ultimate vision is a 20,000-seat arena for Norfolk and a $100 million convention center for Virginia Beach, with projects possible for other cities - so there's something for everybody.
Hampton Roads is so politically fractured, with so many old grudges nursed, that getting the entire region to support a project favoring a single city is mission impossible. Costs and benefits, including tax revenues, have to be shared.
Rick Horrow, the prospective consultant, specializes in multiple projects that unite regions.
After Oklahoma City hired him in 1992 to help the city find a way to finance a downtown arena, Horrow developed eight additional projects, including a minor-league-baseball stadium, a convention center, a new library and arts and cultural facilities - many outside the city.
``There was something in it for everybody,'' said Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick. Fifty-eight percent of voters approved the package, which cost $285 million.
All five South Hampton Roads mayors have been briefed on the possible Horrow hiring, but some council members may have learned of the deal from their Sunday Virginian-Pilot. Egos may have been bruised, but a regional effort is too important to be blocked by hurt feelings.
A region does not become great accidentally, not even this one, which is blessed by a superb natural harbor, huge military installations and countless tourist attractions, including a splendid beach.
Imagine Hampton Roads 10 years down the road if we make an intelligent, united effort now; then imagine the Hampton Roads we'll have if we let things slide, as cities fight one another.
Surely the former vision is the better one.
A bigger, more modern convention center in Virginia Beach will fill hotels in the off-season.
An arena that attracts a National Basketball Association team will cause this area's name to be flashed on TV screens across the nation almost every day.
It is commonly thought that a region must be big league to have a big-league team. Or conversely: A region can't be all that hot if it lacks a big-league team. Consider how often you have heard of or seen the name San Antonio because of its NBA team.
Progress isn't free. By one estimate raising the sales tax for eight area localities by 1 cent for every $4 of purchases would pay for a $140 million arena in six years. Multiple projects would cost more. Oklahoma City raised its sales tax 1 cent per dollar for five years to cover its $285 million in projects.
Today, Norfolk and Virginia Beach city council members need to think hard, think big and think far into the future. What's required today is vision. by CNB