THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 8, 1996 TAG: 9608080383
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 76 lines
Punch flowed from fountains. Former Gov. Mills E. Godwin lauded Virginia courthouse architecture. And about 100 city leaders in fine suits marveled at the unveiling of the $14 million courts complex designs.
But some 20 feet away, about 10 businessmen led by William E. Beamon Jr. did their best to disrupt the proceedings. They shouted and chanted as they picketed the groundbreaking ceremony to protest what they say is the city's policy of using condemnation as a method of urban renewal.
Godwin, for whom the complex will be named, said Suffolk was due a new courts facility.
``It's served its purpose. It's served its time,'' Godwin said of all of the old courthouses. ``It's time to move to a new era.''
Judges and city leaders praised the new complex, saying it is just what the city needs to energize commercial growth.
``It will be a safe and successful courts building that will serve courts' needs for many years,'' said Senior Circuit Court Judge E. Everett Bagnell. ``It's become a reality, and we're very proud.''
At one point, the protesters - who walked along North Main yelling ``locked out, camped out, we want in'' - tried to picket closer to the ceremony tents, which covered tables laden with dainty cookies.
Suffolk police wouldn't allow it. Acting Police Chief William A. Freeman said the demonstrators' permits only allowed them to picket along North Main, Bank and Commerce streets.
``It would have probably caused a conflict with the ceremony,'' Freeman said.
It wasn't the kickoff city officials had expected. Godwin's speech and those of other dignitaries were often interrupted by the loud chants.
But city officials took it in stride.
``It's America,'' Assistant City Manager James G. Vacalis said.
Beamon organized the picket to protest what he claims is the city's practice of tearing down buildings to make way for surface parking.
Most protesters said the city has systematically gotten rid of a number of mostly black businesses along East Washington Street.
Owner of Hot Spot Records and Tapes, Beamon is suing the city to keep it from demolishing his shop to make way for courthouse parking. Other downtown merchants have also asked the city to develop a policy for more accessible parking near their shops. Members of the Downtown Suffolk Association submitted a parking survey to officials, who are now studying the issue.
City Manager Myles E. Standish said he hopes to have the parking problems resolved during construction. Officials say the complex will be completed in the next 18 months.
``Along with the construction of the building, parking for all uses to the building and other shops should be worked out over the next 18 months,'' Standish said.
Beamon said he hopes the city isn't just giving lip service.
``I think the city should recognize this is a serious issue. They are now on notice that it is,'' said Beamon, who recently won the right to a condemnation hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
City officials say the complex will help rejuvenate downtown and spur new business. Three years ago, city officials began planning for the complex to unite all court services under one roof and provide additional safety for court staff.
The L-shaped, 95,000-square-foot building will house three circuit courts, two general district court rooms, two juvenile and domestic relations courts and offices for the commonwealth's attorney, Courts Services Unit and Sheriff's Department. The complex will also feature a law library.
Moseley McClintock Group, a Richmond firm, will oversee the architecture and engineering. Shirley Construction Corp. of Portsmouth will handle construction. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo by John H. Sheally II/The Virginian-Pilot
William E. Beamon Jr., owner of Hot Spot Records and Tapes, led
Wednesday's protest. He is suing Suffolk to keep it from demolishing
his shop to make way for courthouse parking.
KEYWORDS: SUFFOLK COURTHOUSE DEDICATION GROUNDBREAKING
PROTEST by CNB