THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 17, 1996 TAG: 9602170030
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
It's an unfortunate fact of life. When one Hampton Roads city comes up with an idea requiring the regional support of its neighbors, it is likely to be viewed as creating a problem rather than presenting an opportunity.
It happened Tuesday when a proposal that began in Norfolk came before Virginia Beach City Council. It called for the two cities to hire Miami-based sports consultant Rick Horrow. If all went well, a 20,000-seat regional arena might be built in downtown Norfolk; other cities might get goodies as well - perhaps a convention center for Virginia Beach.
To many in the public, it looked like an idea worth exploring. But to some members of Virginia Beach City Council it looked like a done deal favoring Norfolk. Before a consultant was even hired, alarms were being sounded that Norfolk would definitely get an arena while other cities might get other amenities.
With some justice, council members doubted the validity of a study purporting to show that an arena ought to be placed in downtown Norfolk. With less justice, they implied the highly regarded Horrow was Norfolk's man.
The muted reaction to what looked like an encouraging proposal was a reminder that Norfolk and the Beach come to any negotiation with so much baggage that it simply has to be taken into account. Even if a deal makes as much sense as this one, sensibilities have to be considered.
If Hampton Roads cities are to cooperate in building an arena and perhaps other projects, the starting point will apparently have to be a blank sheet of paper on a table around which are seated representatives from every city. The togetherness must begin with step one.
That tends to squelch individual initiative, but if that's the only way to proceed, so be it. Paper's cheap. Pencils are inexpensive. Let the talks begin. It's time. Actually, it's past time. Hampton Roads residents deserve big-league sports, and Hampton Roads needs the national exposure.
To the credit of Norfolk and Virginia Beach leaders, progress is being made. On Tuesday, the two city councils did manage to agree to hire a sports consultant - to be named later. The consultant is to recommend a way to pay for a 20,000-seat indoor arena, help choose a site and attract a major-league team.
Though the need to hire a consultant all the cities can trust is obvious, Horrow seems perfect for this area. It would be a shame to lose his services over a political squabble. He's known for planning big municipal projects and bringing localities together.
Hired to help Oklahoma City find a way to finance a proposed downtown arena, he expanded the deal to eight other projects, including a minor-league baseball stadium, a convention center, a new library and arts and cultural facilities. There was something for everyone in the area, and 58 percent of voters approved the package.
But if other cities believe that Horrow is too much Norfolk's man, someone else will have to be found. Hampton Roads can afford to lose a consultant. It can't afford to lose momentum. The talks must continue. A mutually acceptable sports consultant must be hired. What's needed here is progress and a focus on future possibilities, not on past disagreements.
KEYWORDS: PROPOSED ARENA by CNB