1984-05-21(II) - Laserfiche WebLink

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364' MINUTES 'PUBLIC PUBLIC HEARING: PROPOSED BMX TRACK PEN PARK COUNCIL CHAMBER Monday., May 21, 1984 Council met in regular session this date with the following members present: Mr. Buck, Mr. Conover, Mrs. Gleason, Dr. Gunter, Dr. Hall. on motion by Mrs. Gleason, seconded by Dr. Gunter, the minutes of the meeting of May 7th were unanimously approved a's presented. There were no matters by the public. Mr. Gene German, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, stated that there had been strong student and'parent support for a BMX track and that the Fraternal'Order of Police was willing to sponsor it. Mr. German added that the cost to the City would be minimal as the FOP and involved parents would construct and maintain the track. Mr. German stated that he felt the BMX track would be a good facility but there remained the question of the best location for it. Mrs. Gleason stated her agreement with the idea of the track but questioned Whether it should be located in Pen Park. Sergeant Bill Davis, representing the Fraternal Order of Police, stated that interest was growing in the sport and encouraged Council to approve the track. On a question from Council, Sergeant Davis stated that private property for a possible site had not been explored. Mr. Clem Sanford of North First Street and a manager at Schwinn, stated that BMX~was a popular, and growing sport and that there are twenty to thirty people in the area who regularly travel to other BMX tracks and who want a safe place to ride and race. Mr. Sanford encouraged Council's support of the track for the following reasons: 1) there is sufficient community support, 2:) it was initiated by local middle school children, 3) it could be constructed at little or no cost, 4) it would not infringe on other facilities at the park, S) there would be no permanent construction, and 6) there are other activities at the oark for parents to do while waiting for thei~ children. Mr. Jason McLeod spoke in favor of the BMX track. Mr. Pietri Freeman added his support of the track and stated that any 20" wheel bike was allowed in BMX racing. Mrs. Ellen Langer, a resident of the Key West subdivision, stated that her home is across the river from the proposed location for the track and was concerned that the track would evolve into a motorcycle course. Mr. Buck assured Mrs. Langer that motorcycles would never be allowed. As there were no other speakers, the public hearing was closed. Dr. Gunter stated that she felt the City and Albemarle County Recreation Departments s~ould work together to find a suitable location for ~he BMX track. Dr. Gunter added that the project was worthwhile and she would like to see it go through. Mr. Conover and Mrs. Gleason indicated that they felt all interested parties should become involved in the search for additional locations. Mrs. Gleason moved to defer action until other locations are pursued and have a report back at the first meeting in June. Dr. Gunter seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved by Council.