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148 <br /> <br /> COUNCIL CHAMBER - August 21, 2000 <br /> <br /> Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: <br />Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr, Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. <br /> <br />RECOGNITIONS/AWARDS: PROCLAIMING BIKE TO WORK DAY <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati presented the proclamation proclaiming "Bike to Work Day" to <br />Diane Taylor, Marketing Coordinator for the Charlottesville Transit Service. <br /> <br />PUBLIC <br /> <br /> Ms. Ashlin Smith, 620 Park Street, President of Preservation Piedmont, asked for <br />a status report on the buildings at 101-111 W. Main Street which the owner has requested <br />be demolished. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell explained that the Board of Architectural Review requested that <br />the City hire an independent architectural firm and engineer to look at the buildings and a <br />firm from Richmond has been hired and is expected to report back on August 23TM. The <br />BAR will meet on August 30th to review the report and act on the demolition request. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati noted that four separate demolition applications are now before the <br />BAR. The original application was denied by the Board, and the appeal of that <br />application is pending before the Council. <br /> <br /> Ms. Smith asked what information was provided to the consultant, and Mr. <br />O'ConneI1 said the consultant was given the previous report, City guidelines and <br />ordinances, and did an on-site review of the property. <br /> <br /> Ms. Smith said she wonders if the historical or cultural significance of the <br />property is understood by the consultant. <br /> <br /> Ms. Deborah Bramin, Exton Court, whose son owns Blue Whale Books on the <br />downtown mall, said the increasing noise from amplified music is having a negative <br />impact on businesses on the mall, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. She said <br />regular customers complain about the noise levels and said she hopes a happy medium <br />can be reached. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said that a similar complaint was made at the last Council meeting <br />and staff is looking into the issue. <br /> <br /> Ms. Jill Williams, 101 3rd Street, S.E., asked that Council consider a ban of <br />amplified music on the downtown mall. Ms. Williams also said that the restriction on <br />amplified music at sidewalk cafes is not enforced. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said that there is a sense of community on the downtown mall, and he <br />feels merchants are warranted in their feelings as he agrees that the volume has gotten <br />excessive. Mr. Lynch said he is open to looking at a noise ordinance if the musicians do <br />not voluntarily comply with requests to turn down the volume. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said staff is looking at banning amplified music by ordinance, <br />noting that approaching musicians to ask them to voluntarily turn down the volume has <br />not worked. Mr. O'Connell said that banning amplified music would not work in all <br />circumstances, such as drams. <br /> <br />PRESENTATION: RIVANNA WATERSHED CENTER <br /> <br /> Ms. Leslie Middleton, President of the Rivanna Watershed Center, said the group <br />has a vision of locating the Center at Darden Towe Park which would provide education <br />and a welcome center on the river as well as interactive exhibits. Ms. Middleton asked <br />Council to endorse continued formal dialogue regarding locating the Center at Towe <br />Park, a request approved by the Board of Supervisors. <br /> <br /> <br />