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4 <br /> Mr. Stratton Salidis said this is an instance where a pedestrian alley is being <br />closed to expand parking, and he said he feels the price seems too low. <br /> <br /> The public hearing was closed. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Mr. Pete Anderson, Architect for the <br />University of Virginia, explained that the University wants to expand the parking garage <br />th <br />westward. He said they could go over 15 Street or vacate the lower portion, but first <br />they have to complete a traffic impact study. After that he said they will come back with <br />an appropriate reque st. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he would like to find out from the University what their master <br />plan for this area might look like and their ultimate build out plans. He said this would <br />give residents an expectation of what is going to happen. <br /> <br /> Mr. Anderson said he feels that is a reasonable request. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati asked if the street will be dedicated to the City, and Mr. Anderson <br />said he does not know, but said that its primary purpose will be to service that garage. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Lynch, seconded by Ms. Ric hards, the ordinance entitled "AN <br />ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CONVEYANCE OF CITY - OWNED LOT ON <br />MONROE LANE (TAX MAP PARCEL 11 - 124) TO THE UNIVERSITY OF <br />VIRGINIA" was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. <br /> <br />REPORT <br />: CHARLOTTESVILLE - ALBEMAR LE CONVENTION AND VISITORS <br />BUREAU <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said that tourism is an investment for the City and the City has <br />gotten a good return on its investment. He said that an issue in the upcoming budget will <br />be whether to increase that investment. <br /> <br /> Mr. Mark Shore, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, explained that <br />the Bureau is a partnership between the City, Albemarle County and the Chamber of <br />Commerce. There is a four - member management committee, with an ex - officio <br />University member. The Bure au is advised by the Charlottesville Regional Tourism <br />Council. The Bureau has visitors centers downtown and on Route 20 South. Its key <br />focus is to bring a return on investment. Mr. Shore reviewed benefits and future plans. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch asked for more inf ormation about the percentage of tourist traffic <br />generated by the Visitors Center itself. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Schilling about how the funding formula was <br />derived, Mr. Shore said that the first half is based on the operational budget and the <br />second half is based on marketing, and is derived based on the percentage increase in the <br />occupancy tax. <br /> Mr. Schilling said that if we are confident of the return on investment, perhaps we <br />ought to provide more funding for the Center. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she wants to celebrate the Center's successes since Mr. Shore <br />has been in the area. Ms. Richards agreed that we may want to expand on our tourist <br />activities even in tough financial times. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox asked how a discussion can be facilitated about providin g transportation <br />between Monticello and downtown during the upcoming Lewis and Clark activities. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Cox, Mr. Shore said that the Department of <br />Transportation has finally approved a sign on the interstate directing people to <br />downtown. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said that if the transit center happens the downtown Visitors Center <br />could relocate there. <br />