1978-09-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regular meeting Approval of minutes Matters by the Public: Support of the C & 0 Project Public Hearing re: Removal of Parking Meters in the Central Business District COUNCIL CHAMBER - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1978 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 meeting of August 21, 1978 were approved as presented. Mr. Laurence Witlock, representing the Jefferson Park Avenue Neighborhood Association, addressed the Council and commended the downtown merchants for asking for a feasibility study on the C & O Railway Station. He pledged the support of the neighborhood association in this endeavor and stated than the association was going to discuss some possible financial support of the project. Mrs. O'Brien commended Mr. Witlock for his offer. A public hearing was held on this date on a proposal to remove the parking meters in the Central Business District. The City Manager briefly reviewed the staff report which was presented at the last meeting. Mr. Paul Wood, Presidenn of the Chamber of Commerce, reported, th at at the August Board meeting of the Chamber, the board unanimously approved removal of the meters. Mrs. Delores Sperelakis stated that she was employed downtown and was concerned with the proposed increase in rates for all day parking and asked for some consideration for people who must park all day. Mr. Joe Teague addressed the Council in support of removing the meters downtown through West Main Street to the Corner. He suggested a trial period of. 60 to 90 days and expressed concern with problems of employees using the free parking. Mrs. Donna Massey, Executive Director of D.C.I., addressed the Council and presented a resolution from Downtown Charlottesville, Inc. in support of the meter removal. Mr. WOod and Mrs. Massey were questioned if they had given any thought about how this project would be paid for. Mrs. Margaret Smith, who operates a business on West Main Street, spoke in favor or removing the meners on West Main Street. Mr. Gatewood stated that he would be more comfortable with a trial period since something positive might be learned in this period. The City Manager responded that there was no reason to not have a trial period, but we should know what we are looking for. A communication was presented from one of the merchants at the Corner requesting that the meters not be removed on West Main Street. The City Manager recommended that a survey be made of the merchants on West Main Street as to ~mat action they desired. Mrs. O'Brien suggested that Mr. Teague be requested to head up the effort to contact the merchants on West Main Street and report to Council his findings. She stated that she did not think the meters should be removed on West Main Street without some indication from the merchants. 419.