The recent decision and agreement between Richmond Public Schools and the City of Richmond to sell off the Arthur Ashe Jr Athletic Center to be demolished to build a hotel and apartment complex is a slap in the face to the city’s youths and the community at large.

This facility, while needing some cosmetic attention, is not in such dire condition to warrant demolition. All parties could simply have upgraded that facility as a partnership to continue to have it serve its intended and original purpose. In addition having such a venue would actually compliment the ballpark and hotel.

Sadly, some parties involved have other ideas that cater to profit and handing over most of the benefit to Virginia Commonwealth University which will only afford the city and community limited access to their athletic village. Merging the facility into the village is just a cover to give the university control rather than allow the city to own and have a venue that represents the interest of the people and not be beholden to VCU.

Stuart M. Spears

Richmond