
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, March 5, 1990                   TAG: 9003052284
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY DETHLEFSEN
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

HENRY STREET PROJECT WILL WORK

I DISAGREE with Fran DeLaney's assertion (letter Feb. 17) that a music center project for Henry Street will not work. Ms. DeLaney bases her argument on a similar project that failed at Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn. I do not feel she is making a fair comparison.

First look at who is sponsoring the project. TAP has been in the community-action business for 25 years. It has a solid reputation for successful projects of the size and scope of the proposed music center on Henry Street.

Look at Harrison Cultural Center, just a few blocks over, which TAP sponsored during the 1980s. The federal government apparently feels Henry Street is a viable project; a $600,000 grant was obtained in its support.

TAP is also ensuring the success of the music-center project by expanding use of the facility to include its Head Start kitchen. Therefore, the facility is not to be limited to use as a "nightclub."

What else will be happening around the Henry Street area - developments that give the music center project a foundation for success? TAP now hopes to rebuild its headquarters close to the music center. With a 230-member employee base, and clients, visitors and others who would visit the agency and its satellite agencies on a daily basis, you suddenly have a lot of activity on Henry Street.

And look at the music center's other potential "neighbors": a new convention center and Virginia Tech at the Hotel Roanoke. Doesn't it follow that proponents of these projects would support a music center at Henry Street for its potential to enhance their projects? The mutual benefits of an entertainment facility on Henry Street begin to stack up.

I am uncomfortable with Ms. DeLaney's assertion that Beale Street failed because white people were not willing to "endanger" their lives by visiting a "black" area after dark. Of the black people she asks: "Who are these well-to-do blacks with enough money to spend seven days or nights a week to support Henry Street?" I think Ms. DeLaney is missing the point.

The music center is not just for Roanoke's black population. With the Second Street bridge project linking Henry Street to the not-so-bad part of downtown Roanoke, I believe the area will become more of an extension of downtown than a separate neighborhood, as in Memphis.

This proximity will encourage daytime activity that I believe will acquaint people with the area and bring them back at night. My guess is that there are as many white jazz fans as black ones! Part of TAP's mission for this project is to encourage the interracial interaction.

This project is not being rushed. The concept is five years old and the site has been changed several times to accommodate master planning. I think it is exciting that all of these things are taking place simultaneously, and I cannot help but becoming excited about a project with such potential.

by CNB