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Mr. Bert Verberg, Manager of the Mount Vernon Motel spoke in <br /> opposition to the p~oj~e~nd stated that he felt there should be <br /> a referendum on the bond issue. <br /> <br /> Mr. Jay Levine stated that there are two major points that have <br /> to be considered. One is the basic concept of the utilization of <br /> the Vinegar Hill site as proposed and the second if the answer to <br /> the concept question is positive is it appropriate to use public <br /> funds. He stated he would say the answer to the concept question <br /> is a very positive yes. He stated it is totally appropriate in his <br /> mind to use public funds to assist in this enterprise. He stated <br /> everybody benefits from the utilization of public funds. <br /> <br /> Mr. James King stated that he thinks design control is going <br /> to be the key to this development. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Ann Hobson on behalf of the Greenbrier Neighborhood <br /> As~sociation stated that the Greenbrier Association approves of the <br /> concept of locating a hotel/conference center on Vinegar Hill. <br /> She stated that they were in.favor of the public funding of this <br /> project since everyone benefits from the type of expenditure that <br /> enhances our city's future. <br /> <br /> Mr. John Marston, President of the Barracks-Rugby-Preston <br /> Neighborhood Association stated that his board voted to support <br /> the project. <br /> <br /> Mr. A1 Garrett on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce spoke in <br /> support of the project. <br /> <br /> Mr. John Rogan stated he was very much interested in whether <br />this development was built or not and he would like to see a large <br />conference center here, but he doesn~!t think this is the place for <br />iQ. He stated that the man who builds the hatel should build the <br />conference center with his own finances. He stated he was against <br />combining the two things, that if the city wanted to build a <br />conference center go ahead and build that but don't put a hotel <br />with it. <br /> <br /> Mr. Darden Towe spoke in support of the project. <br /> <br /> Mr. Bill DeButts stated that he had philosophical problems <br /> <br />with using public money to fund a project that should be done with <br />private funds. He presented the following questions: 1. Is it <br />anti,honest endeavor for the City to commit public funds for a <br />speculative venture? 2. What value can you place on a study by <br />Park Tower from someone who is hopeful of being the developer? <br />3. Why has a private developer not come forward to develop this <br />pi~ece of property? <br /> <br /> Mr. George Gilliam spoke in support of the concept of using <br />public funds for the construction of a conference center motel on <br />t~e Vinegar Hill site. <br /> <br /> Mr. C. E. Anderson stated that he felt private money should <br />develop this site and he was opposed to using public funds for any <br />part of the development. <br /> <br /> Mr. Henry Maclin spoke in support of the project. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Sarah Daniels stated that she did not think the Council <br />should spend four million dollars without a referendum. <br /> <br /> <br />