NSU v light rail

I may be under but I ain’t dead. I’ve been following the saga of Norfolk State University and the long-awaited Norfolk light rail project, at least as it has been reported in the newspaper. The latest twist, though, made me break away for a few minutes to comment.

According to Saturday’s Virginian Pilot, NSU is using an escape clause in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the previous president to not only change the agreement but to hold Norfolk and HRT officials over a barrel. Here’s the clause:

This Memorandum of Understanding may require modification in the future and is intended to reflect the understandings between the parties as of the date of this Memorandum of Understanding.

Nothing unusual about the language. And accommodations have been made as NSU has brought forth certain issues. But the report today goes far beyond that:

Norfolk State University wants the city to purchase its president’s home and build a parking deck near campus.

[…]

As currently proposed, the light rail tracks and rail maintenance yard would disturb President Carolyn Meyers’ privacy and quiet enjoyment of her residence, said Bobby Norris Vassar, the rector of NSU’s board. Passengers would be able to peer into her backyard and pool because the track is elevated, he said.

NSU wants the city to buy the president’s home and transfer the deed back to the university so the house can be used as a student welcome center. The college would then build or purchase another home for its president.

And that’s not all. The wish list includes relocating HRT’s access to the rail maintenance yard, installing noise and sight barriers, and indemnifying the university for any damage caused by the rail construction.

Some of these items are reasonable. But buying the president’s house? No way. Not only is there no money to do so, but it seems that NSU is not being a good neighbor here. It sounds an awful lot like extortion.

I urge NSU students and alumni to contact the president and ask that they resolve this issue.