1980-03-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Resolution re: Authorizing Mayor to sign agreement for annual audit Ordinance re: Rezoning Meadowbrook Rd. property Ordinance re: Closing & vacating portion of Morton Dr. RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Charlottesville expresses its deepest appreciation to Sharon B. Hoose for his many years of outstanding leadership and service. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be spread in the minutes of the Council meeting of March 3, 1980, and that a copy be presented to Mr. Hoose as a token of appreciation for his devotion to the City of Charlottesville. The matter of the sale of property to Morton Frozen Foods, the rezoning of property on Meadowbrook Road and the closing and vacating of a portion of Morton Drive was again considered. Mr. Albro stated that due to a possible conflict of interest he would not participate in the discussion or vote on these matters. The Mayor stated that he was in favor of selling the property to Morton, that he is in favor of rezoning the property, but he is not in favor of closing that portion of Morton Drive. He stated that after careful consideration he does not feel he can vote for closing the road. Mr. Gatewood stated that he has spent a good deal of time going over the written communications that have come to him from various and sundry people and it seems to him that it boils down to an issue between those people that wann the road closed and those people who don't. Some people in the community want it closed and others don!t; some business landowners want the road left open and he thinks there is another group that haven't been heard from which are the citizens of the City who use that street. There are persuasive arguments that have been made on both sides. He stated he believes that when a proposal is made to close a street that the burden of necessity rests on the people proposing it and in this case he doesn't think that burden has been carried.. He stated he doesn't think it has been shown that there is a real need to close Morton Drive at this particular time. He doesn't believe it has been shown that it causes a real inconvenience as it exists. He believes these are a great many people that benefit from the use of this road and their views although not spoken at the public hearing should be considered. He stated one of the strongest arguments in favor of closing is the one that expressed fear of future development in the area and for the time being he doesn't feel that fear is well founded, but if at such time the Council sees there is danger of further development then action can be taken at that time to prevent it. He stated he believes it is in the best interest of the entire community to leave the road open. Mr. Buck stated he would vote in favor of the motion to vacate the street. He stated the major point on which he disagrees with Mr. Gatewood is that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to close it later when the problem arises. At this time, he does not think there is any tremendous burden placed on anyone, 22!