Won’t somebody think of the children?!
September 14th, 2006 by GoldenAppleCorp
According to the Oak Ridger, the Oak Ridge Board of Zoning Appeals shot down a proposal for an indoor skate park across from the School Administration building, citing concerns about the nearby residents, busy streets and the effect it will have on the older, established neighborhood.
The article didn’t go too in-depth and as such, didn’t say if the proposal included a request for funding. Hell, I’m not even sure the Zoning Appeals board would have anything to do with funding. But anyway, they shot it down, so it’s a moot point.
It’s funny that this skate park proposal was shot down the same day AT and I almost hit a skateboarder on our way to pick up MastaG. This damn fool kid was riding his board right in front of St. Mary’s school on Tennessee Ave. in the middle of the road. AT might have hit him if I hadn’t said anything.
That’s not the first time he and I have almost hit a kid riding around town on a board.
Saying that the proposed indoor park on NY Ave. was close to busy roads is stupid. The outdoor skatepark at Yearwood park is at a much more dangerous intersection.
Saying that the indoor park would be disruptive to neighbors or the “established neighborhood” is silly, as well. Oak Ridge has very little to offer to kids that age. We have no mall, no really good hang-out spots. What do kids do when they get bored?
They cause trouble, that’s what. If we don’t provide entertainment to kids, they’ll use all that pent-up energy for nefarious purposes, like drugs, alcohol, vandalism and even harassment.
I personally think an indoor skate park would be a wonderful idea.
September 14th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
That is kind of an interesting take as wasn’t it just a week or two ago that citizens were protesting against a motel disturbing an older, established neighborhood but they allowed that to move forward? I guess it all depends on the money, right?
September 14th, 2006 at 4:08 pm
I suppose the hotel/motel tax brings in a few more bucks than a skateboard park.
September 14th, 2006 at 5:54 pm
“Also Tuesday, board members unanimously supported a business move that could lead to some suspected low-level radioactive materials being temporarily stored along Union Valley Road.”
Only in Oak Ridge is a skateboard park rejected for safety concerns, but radioactive material storage can be stored in the middle of a business park … the irony boggles the mind
September 14th, 2006 at 6:47 pm
Well, there’s always the non-mall… seems like the old Proffitt’s for Men shell would make a wonderful skate park — much more floor space, much higher ceilings (for ramps and such).
Then, they could allow geezers like me to roller-skate on those nice tile and marble floors while the kiddies whoop it up in the skateboard arena. Daco could direct traffic, just like he used to at Hot Wheels, when there were actual stores (and a bakery!) downtown.
That, and a couple of air-hockey tables, would bring more people to the mall than we’ve seen in years.
September 14th, 2006 at 6:54 pm
I’m down NetMom. Let’s call our buddy Arnsdorff and see what we can arrange.
September 14th, 2006 at 8:03 pm
Damn, that sounds pretty sweet…
September 15th, 2006 at 1:32 pm
Not sure “our buddy” is still speaking to me, as I’m no longer among the “true believers.” As of last Monday, I heard that his financial backers have said that they can’t accept the transportation grant funds, because they’re not going to put the road in by the specified time.
My translation: since they sold off Tinseltown, they have a positive cash flow and have no incentive to put any money into the project. If they can’t be the only game in town, they won’t play at all.
September 15th, 2006 at 5:49 pm
E-m-i-n-e-n-t d-o-m-a-i-n.
September 15th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Can you say property condemnation and reclaimation.
Starting to sound like Jesse Jackson…sorry
September 15th, 2006 at 6:12 pm
I don’t think thats a card Oak Ridge is going to play, duder. That’d be a big ol fight, and probably what that dickhead Arnsdorff wants.
September 15th, 2006 at 8:17 pm
I’m just sayin it now so two years from now, when things are just as they are now, I can say…I told you so…
September 15th, 2006 at 8:27 pm
Yeah, but I’d just go back, rearrange the sql tables, and tell you I told you first. Because I’m petty.
September 15th, 2006 at 8:54 pm
It would work too, cause this is friday and the beer is flowing liberally.
September 15th, 2006 at 9:05 pm
Shit, man, bring that beer on over!
Seriously though, who’s up with renting a backhoe and wrecker.
I’ll bring the sledgehammers if you’ll bring the liquor.