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Eighty-nine Years of Editorial Freedom
420 Maynard St., Ann Arbor, Mi. 48109
Vol. LXXXIX, No. 18-S News Phone: 764-0552
Edited and managed by students
at the University of Michigan
Riverside Plaza
ill-suited for A 2
D EVELOPER RICHARD BERGER'S
decision to abandon his plan to build a 22-
story convention center on Main St. by the Huron
River was a wise one. The plan was ill-suited for
its location and would have had undesirable
ramifications.
Area residents justifiably were concerned about
the increased traffic impact such a magnificent
project would entail, as well as the pollution and
sewage that would have been generated.
Although Ann Arbor does need additional
hotel accommodations a project on such a large
scale would instead attract over commercialized
elements to the town that would detract from the
unique environment here. We have no desire to be
a suburb of Detroit. Building a convention center
would mean a constant influx of people, that
would elongate already burdensome lines often
witnessed in this town. The quaintness which was
purposefully instilled in the downtown area would
vanish as the mire of bodies and automobiles
transformed downtown journeys from pleasant
outings to ardous expeditions.
The traffic on Main Street, which feeds into
Plymouth Road, M-14, and U.S. 23, would multiply
to a frustrating extent. It would be most unfair to
area residents to burden them with the cacaphony
of noise, foul exhaust, and headaches which the
Plaza would have incited.
Mr. Burger understandably was upset over the
personal attacks directed at him through citizen
complaints at city planning Commission
meetings. Berger's bitterness over the $115,000
already spent on preliminary speculation was
also warranted. But he stood to make many times
over that sum from the completed project, and he
knew risks were involved.
The citizens have expressed approval of an in-
dustrial park for the 32-acre plot, probably
because they know light industry of some sort is
likely to be set there. The land is zoned for that
purpose, and the city would still benefit by a
boosted tax base from industry placed there.
There would probably be much less traffic and
pollution generated by that use, even though
parking space would not appreciably differ from
the Plaza's requirements.
Citizens would also like to see a park created in
the area. Mayor Louis Belcher said citizens must
come up with $1 million, before a park could be
placed there. It is hoped that some type of com-
promise could be worked out and both types of
parks can be created. Then citizens would not
have to raise as much money and both parties' in-
terests could be served.
Mr. Berger was mistaken in stating that the
Plaza project was "too good for Ann Arbor." On
the contrary, Ann Arbor is too good for the
project.
administrative intervention
There are many important fac- By Jeff Lebow ted by the administration, and
ts to note in the Michigan Student and tried tw get her to stick up for that's when they stepped in.
Assembly election controversy "her" election. In a surprise move, the Regen
before damning the Regents or One ofthe reasons for voiding sallowed andatory funding for
the administration. I think it is the election was "potential for KnA oi tnguoewhorathearth
the students, who were incapable fraud." This charge was never Knowing somewhat how the
of living up to their respon- substantiated nor proven. In fact, Regents operate, I was surprised
sibilities, that prompted ad- 50 ballots were picked at random, they would allow funding for a
ministration intervention. and all 50 people verified tha student organization that was so
Here are the reasons why I feel they actually had voted. up-in-the-air.
the students failed: As a result of the controversial PEOPLE ARE getting upset
" An elections director was hearing that Sunday, technically about allowing Johnson to make
hired with such short preparation too early, CSJ said they would the decision himself. I contend
time - have a rehearing the following that the students had shown they
" Students were unable to pull Thursday. The meeting was were having trouble governing
off the election logistically never held due to "lack of themselves.
without controversy quorum," yet two CSJ justices Johnson's lack of direct in-
* The Central Student were never even contacted about volvement in the information
Judiciary's (CSJ) failure to the hearing! As a result, they gathering process was a positive
follow mandated rules and resigned, and wrote a letter, (on element which enabled him to
procedures ' file at MSA), charging CSJ with make an objective evaluation,
* Student political parties were not following proper procedures not negative as it has been
unable to agree on an interim and rules. Furthermore, they charged. He had many com-
solution said they wouldn't work on a petent staff members with no
I would like to address the lat- board that lacked integrity, as vested interest in either party's
ter two points, since I feel these CSJ did. In addition, two former victory, who explored the details
amethe most important issues. justices sent a letter to the ad- of the election. had he gathered
NOT ONLY did CSJ hold its ministration explaining how they them, he might not have been as
certification hearing a day early felt CSJ mishandled the entire af- thorough, due to other respon-
(a technicality), but it ap- fair. sibilities.
proached the situation un- SINCE THE issue of man- In my opinion, disbanding MSA
professionally. First, one woman datory funding for MSA was on would be a giant step backward.
on CSJ threatened a winning the Regents' agenda that next There is a structure now that ob-
Student Alliance for Better week, Henry Johnson gave MSA viously needs some work. That's
Representation (SABRE) can- an ultimatum: Get a solution to why we have a Student Develop-
didate by saying that CSJ had the situation or the proposal for ment Office staff-to assist in this
been badgered into reversing funding would be withdrawn, ef- process. What I feel would help
their noncertification decision in fectively disbanding MSA. MSA the most are lots of
last year's LSA-SG election. She This was the last chance for dedicated, hardworking, respon-
went on to say that CSJ's pride students to exercise their respon- sible people getting involved with
was hurt, and no one thought they sibility, and they blew it. The only the organization, and showing the
could do anything, or did do plan they could agree on involved University Community what
anything. They also said "For seating everyone elected, with students are capable of. Until
once, we're going to do the exception of the president and that time, I feel the ad-
something!" This attitude was vice-president, until a new elec- ministration has a responsibility
very apparent during the tion could be held. This was to make sure that student gover-
hearing. CSJ felt "we're voiding ridiculous, because it gave the nment is straightened out.
the election unless it can be assembly no leadership for the
proven we shouldn't." They summer when all the planning Jeff Lebow is an intern in the Office
scrutinized the elections director, takes place. This plan was rejec- of student Services.
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