University of Virginia Library

Automotive Eyesore—
Does Anybody Want It?

Commentary

By BARBARA HAND

For almost a decade, University students
have quietly grieved about the deteriorating
condition of the McIntire Amphitheater, once
a constantly used open-air theater which now
amounts to little more than a metallic parking
lot. But complaining was about all that was
done until a group of concerned students
finally decided this semester that the time has
come for direct action to do away with the
University's most humiliating eyesore.

Through the effort of the self-formed
Amphitheater Restoration Committee, "save
the amphitheater" petitions are circulating in
every corner of the University. But concerned
Student Council members realized the need
for stronger action–petitions can be too easily
lost in the wastebasket.

As a result, a proposal was passed 10-6
Tuesday night to hold a demonstration May 1
in the amphitheater which will be an
expression of student concern.

Though there is some debate between
students as to whether the amphitheater
should be restored (at a cost of about
$50,000) or simply re-grassed (about $600),
almost all believe that the 45-car parking lot
should be removed from that area.

Even administrators such as Business
Manager Richard F. Shutts, often blamed for
his insensitivity to aesthetic beauty, contends
that he would "like to see green restored to
the area." But there is one catch–it could be
anywhere from five to 15 years before he
would be willing to correct the current
amphitheater plight because of the proposed
new classroom building to be constructed
between Maury Hall and Cabell Hall. As Mr.
Shutts expressed it, "It would be ridiculous to
do anything about the amphitheater now
when its surrounding environment will be
eventually changed."

But what seems even more ridiculous is
that the administrators expect the student
body to tolerate the decaying condition of the
amphitheater when re-grassing could be
accomplished with a minor sum of money and
planning.

May 1 is the day for students to express
their concern. All persons who own parking
spaces in the amphitheater lot are requested
to park elsewhere and during the day students
are urged to gather there between classes.

"We don't want anything disruptive,"
explained Restoration Committee member
Lynn Ivey. "We just want a massive display
for re-grassing so that people outside of the
University will be impressed with the issue."

According to Mr. Ivey, his group hopes
that the student effort will encourage alumni
or various funding groups to offer monies for
re-grassing.

The success of May 1 events is entirely
dependent upon the students. Even though
re-grassing of the amphitheater may not be an
immediate accomplishment, strong student
support next Tuesday cannot be overlooked
by University administrators.