Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 25, 1993 TAG: 9305250592
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Evelyn Bethel, leader of the opposition to the realignment of Wells Avenue, said Fitzpatrick made "disparaging remarks that could be considered to be racist."
Bethel told City Council that she was saddened and shocked to hear of Fitzpatrick's remarks.
But Fitzpatrick said Monday his comments were taken out of context and that he meant no offense to either Gainsboro or Bethel.
Jasmin Haley, a William Fleming High School junior, said Fitzpatrick told students that Gainsboro is a "dead area" and that opposition to two proposed four-lane roads there sprung from a woman who moved back to Roanoke a few years ago.
Jasmin said she objected and told Fitzpatrick that he was talking about her great-aunt, Bethel, president of the Historic Gainsboro Preservation District, who moved home from Washington a few years ago.
Fitzpatrick said he did not make any disparaging remarks about Bethel. He said he responded factually to a question from the Student Government Day audience.
Fitzpatrick said he has been called other things, but this is the first time he has been called a racist. He said he hopes that his work as vice chairman of the Henry Street Revival Committee and support for the Hotel Roanoke project shows his concern for the Gainsboro neighborhood.
Helen Davis, Bethel's sister, told council that she was saddened and disturbed that Fitzpatrick would make such comments.
"It shows disrespect for my sister," Davis said.
Council took no action on the complaints by Bethel and Davis.
by CNB