The Future of Center Street At Virginia Tech

 

W4W Story: Center Street at the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech has become a recent topical discussion amongst its residents as well as the residents living in and around the neighborhood, as now the town is preparing to possibly get involved in the matter of Center Street in the state for events like Fraternity gatherings and Football gamedays. On these days, Center Street turns into a mass gathering of students, alumni, and general people alike for a massive party atmosphere full of drinking and music. However, now it seems some town residents are raising complaints about the safety and viability of Center Street’s future as the university of Virginia Tech continues to grow. Virginia Tech Junior, John Lutz, who resides on center street, spoke about the potential conflict saying, “I don’t see the issue honestly. People need an outlet to blow off steam sometimes and this is the way center street has always been. I think if they cut off Center Street the frats will just find a different place to party.” The area around Center Street during these events is often monitored from a distance by Police and EMS crews to ensure the public welfare and safety. Part of why the town is looking into this reformation is that these events in large crowds with alcohol and drug consumption can lead to dangerous situations. The facts are that “approximately 1 in every 11 young adult (ages 18-25) is a heavy drinker, and that 1 in 7 young adults has a substance use disorder in the United States.” “People make their own choices,” Lutz mentioned. He continued further by saying, “Everyone is responsible for the decisions they make, for better or for worse.” Whether a possible reformation affects the freedom of choice for the Center Street attendees is yet to be seen. IDV: Implications of Alcohol and It's effect on Young Adults
References/Sources -- Substance Abuse Statistics Among Young Adults. (2022, November 10). American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-statistics/young-adults. -- Alcohol Use Among Adolescents and Young. (n.d.). https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh27-1/79-86.htm
Location: Blacksburg, VA, USA

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