For some time, the civic group has been engaged in a dispute with the WOW Family Fun Entertainment Center, a standoff that had grown particularly testy in recent months.
Rankled civic leaders and residents haven’t considered the popular skating rink very neighborly. A feeling that WOW was shutting out local kids, and instead embracing young rowdies from throughout the city, was a source of dismay, but the big rallying cry came from their accusations that, late at night during closing time, WOW sent a throng of rambunctious, rude and destructive kids into the community. They damaged property. They intimidated residents.
So it was heartwarming to see both sides show up for a lovefest last week outside the WOW building on the Boulevard. This special news conference heralded a truce, a new beginning, a mutually ratified deal. Monty Hall wasn’t there. But Mayfair did come away with more than a year’s worth of Cheez Whiz.
For example, WOW will soon host a weekly "Mayfair Civic Association" night. There will be special nights for school kids. Donations by WOW for student scholarships and equipment for the local Town Watch. Even an annual barbecue hosted by WOW.
That’s indeed a very generous olive branch extended by WOW owners. We’re just wondering one thing. Even if the way to a community’s heart is through its stomach, how does a burger pacify the rancor of all those residents who’ve long insisted they’ve had it with those unruly kids?
That’s still a key issue that must be addressed by WOW security and police. But for now, at least, a harmonious relationship is being forged to pursue it. ••
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