1979-06-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

56 REG ~tYLAR MEETING Approval of minutes Public Matter: Susie Sherwood - League of Women Voters Public Hearing re: Economic Development Strategy COUNCIL CHAMBER - MONDAY~ JUNE 4, 1979 The Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Albro, Mr. Brunton, Mr. Buck, Mr. Gatewood and Mrs. O'Brien. Absent; None. The minutes of the meetings of April 19th and May 21st were approved as amended. Mrs, Susie Sherwood, President of the League of Women Voters, expressed disappointment at the Council's decision not to advertise and interview for School Board openings. She urged the Council to return to the earlier process which seems to encourage greater public involvement. A public hearing was held on this date on a proposed Economic Development Strategy as prepared by the staff and the Charlottes- ville Development Group, Mr. Mitch Van Yahres, Chairman of the Charlottesville Develop- ment Group briefly outlined the proposed strategy and the method used in its development. He stated there are six main areas of concern which the strategy addresses: 1. Maintenance of Economic Base; 2. Minority Participation; 3. Office Space; 4. Retail Sales; 5. Tourism; and 6. Industrial Development. He stated the Group was divided into individual committees which addressed each of these concerns. The Mayor then invited any member of the public to speak on this issue. No one appeared to speak either for ox against the proposed strategy. The Council then discussed the proposed strategy at lenght. Mr. Albro expressed appreciation to the Group for the work they have done in putting this information together. Mrs. O'Brien stated she was happy with what has been presented, but under the minority participation section she would like to add: Organize a group of minority professionals that are in Charlottesville to help seek out and find minorities who would be interested in starting businesses in Charlottesville. Mr. Van Yahres stated the proposed Central Virginia Develop- ment Corporation is designed to seek out minority businesses. Mrs. O'Brien also suggested that encouraging rental of office space by the University of Virginia instead of building their own space be added under the office space section. Mrs. O'Brien also suggested that under the tourism section add: Encourage tourist activity that complements what we already have. Mr. Buck suggested that number eleven "heavy industry" be removed from the paragraph on compatible economic activity. Mr. Buck stated that he was concerned about endorsing the Central Virginia Development Corporation until more is known about the direction of that corporation, since the Council has not seen a program for the future. He stated he would be much more comfortable with endorsing the concept of such an organization.