2008-02-11 (5 pm) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Monday, February 11, 2008 AT 5:00 p.m. IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Work Session: Downtown Mall Redevelopment and Redevelopment of Martha Jefferson Hospital BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY: Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM – February 11, 2008 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Downtown Mall Redevelopment Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Services, said that MMM Design Group has been doing survey work and gathering background information regarding the redevelopment of the Downtown Mall. He said construction is the biggest concern expressed. He noted that sidestreets are not part of what is being done now. Mr. Joe Shinstock of MMM Design Group said they have spent nine months gathering information. He said the public utilities on the Mall are generally in good condition, the Mall systems are generally in poor condition, the trees are in generally good health but may be on the down side of their life cycle, and the bricks are in poor condition. He said they have been looking at the following when considering the redevelopment of the Mall: sustainable design elements, technology, utilities, recreation and family enjoyment, and public safety. He said that options for new pavers for the Mall were presented to the Board of Architectural Review. He said they expressed preference for the original size bricks which can only be found in Nebraska, and would increase the price approximately $500,000 in freight charges alone. He said the conceptual design has been presented to City staff and stakeholders. He said the conceptual design includes revitalization of the existing successful design of the Mall, widening of the mall at its entrance on Water Street, additional fountains, public art, and a sister city plaza. Responding to a question from Mr. Taliaferro, Mr. Shinstock said that a rough estimate of the cost of the fountains is several hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Huja said he agrees we should keep to the original design of the Mall, and said the work is overdue. He said he thinks we should do the least possible in terms of adding to the Mall. He said new fountains would be a substantial cost. He said he thinks the west end of the Mall is already a large space and is mostly not used. He said he is not sure we would get much in return for the work there. He said he does not agree with the BAR regarding the size of the bricks. He said the trees seem in good shape to him. He said it is a challenge to maintain fountains. He suggested that some sort of statement be made at the entrances to the sidestreets. He said he does not want to clutter up the mall. He suggested that a sister city plaza be located closer to City Hall. He said the original Mall was funded by a public/private partnership, and wondered if that had been thought of for this project. Mr. Shinstock said he was not saying that the trees have to be replaced, but that there should be an ongoing tree replacement plan. Responding to questions from Dr. Brown, Mr. Shinstock said that all of the bricks will be removed down to the top of the slab, and there should be minimal impact to existing vendors and pedestrians.