THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 30, 1996 TAG: 9605300591
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 25 lines
A shop owner, whose store stands in the path of the planned downtown courts complex, will have a jury trial to decide whether the city has rights to demolish his business.
William E. Beamon, who owns Hot Spot Records and Tapes, will go before a federal judge at U.S. District Court in Norfolk on Dec. 10.
Beamon has been battling the city for nearly seven months to keep Suffolk from condemning his store to construct parking for the courthouse. Even though his funds are limited, Beamon said he will continue his fight.
``It might break me, but I've got to get there,'' Beamon said. ``I don't have a choice. This is the only logical conclusion.''
Assistant City Manager James G. Vacalis said the winter court date will have no effect on the court complex's construction timetable.
``I don't think Bill Beamon's case is going to slow the city down one bit,'' Vacalis said. ``We're proceeding as usual.''
The city of Suffolk recently opened bids for the $14 million complex. In another month, city officials say, construction will begin. The complex is to be completed by the end of 1997, Vacalis said. by CNB