The
S TUDENT P RINTZ www.studentprintz.com
SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
March 22, 2012
Volume 96 Issue 46
ON CAMPUS
Justin Sellers/Printz
Lightning strikes over Reed Green Coliseum Wednesday afternoon. During the severe thunderstorms that developed, the United Parcel Service ‘Road Trip to the Final Four’ truck made a stop at the University of Southern Mississippi to display the hardwood floor that will be used at the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament in New Orleans, La.
LOCAL
Thirsty Hippo back on track Tyler Hill Printz Writer Owners of the Thirsty Hippo reached a vital achievement Monday after they appeared to resolve their differences with a local Hattiesburg attorney. Brad and Sarah Newton, owners of the Thirsty Hippo, purchased an abandoned building located in the 300 block of McLeod Street in December with hopes of relocating the night club and utilizing more space. Shortly after the renovation started, the Newtons learned that they were
TRI DELTA
required to apply for off-site parking because of the limited parking spaces. On Feb. 1, the Hattiesburg Planning Commission approved their request to build a parking lot within 300 feet of their business. This parking lot will be able to accommodate at least 56 vehicles, which is the required minimum in a zoned B-3 community business district. The following day, however, attorney James Gladden appealed the commission’s decision and said that the proposed parking lot doesn’t meet requirements. In an opposition report sub-
mitted by Gladden, he concluded that the request should be denied because “the property would result in increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic congestion, increased security concerns, increased noise, increased debris and trash being scattered on adjacent properties and other interruptions to existing businesses located in the area.” Furthermore, the report also mentioned that “no such establishment shall be located within 400 feet of a school.” According to the report, Hawkins Elementary School is within 100 feet of the venue. Gladden’s appeal included six
businesses that agreed with the opposition. The Newtons and Gladden were set to proclaim their arguments during the hearing on Monday before the Hattiesburg City Council, but after deliberating privately, they reached a general understanding on some major issues, according to Gladden in a quote submitted to the Hattiesburg American. The Newtons weren’t the only ones attending the meeting to announce their arguments, however. Along with them were over 200 local residents, some of whom were business owners. Due to the parties reconciling
CROCS
SAINTS
WEATHER Thursday
68/64 Friday
82/63 Saturday
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their differences, however, no community residents offered their prepared statements for the city council. Sarah Newton said she and her husband are pleased with the outpouring of support the community offered. “I think people realize that the Thirsty Hippo is more than just a bar but an incredible music venue that has brought a lot to Hattiesburg as far as music is concerned,” Newton said. Newton said they have reassured Gladden and the businesses who opposed the application
See HIPPO, 3
INDEX Calendar ........................ 2 News .............................. 3 Opinion ...........................5 Sports...............................7