2003-06-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 will be replaced in the Fontaine allocation in a manner that will not delay construction of the Fontaine project, nor diminish the quality or scope of the project; and WHEREAS , funding fo r the Meadowcreek Parkway / McIntire Road Interchange design study has been approved by the Commonwealth as part of the Six Year Plan, and scheduled for the year 2009; and, WHEREAS , City Council believes that the design study is an essential component of the construction of the Parkway, and desires that the interchange design study be done immediately by allocating $699,000 available in the Parkway construction budget to the design study. The City Council requests that the allocation of these funds to the design study in no way delay the existing VDOT construction schedule for the Meadowcreek Parkway; and WHEREAS , City Council further believes that implementation of a citywide Intelligent Transportation System will provide substantial and measurable benef its in the mitigation of the City's worsening traffic flow problems, and that additional funding for an Intelligent Transportation System should therefore be included as part of the Six Year Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council for the Cit y of Charlottesville that the Mayor is authorized to sign on behalf of City Council the attached letter to Commissioner Schucet of the Department of Transportation, which states the requests of City Council as set forth in this Resolution. Mr. Cox said he will work with staff on drafting a letter which will be circulated to Council prior to being sent. Ms. Richards said she supports the resolution because she supports the extension of Hillsdale Drive, and thinks it will send a signal to VDOT and the Co mmonwealth Transportation Board that the City desires to move forward. She said she would not support the resolution if it was not tied to the Area B Study. She said she does not w ant to mislead the community and Fontaine Avenue residents that they can expect a reduction to a two lane road as a result of the study because she feels that would be a mistaken assumption. Mr. Cox said he appreciates the involvement of Fontaine Avenue residents, and it is to their credit that we are taking it more slowly. He said we will have the benefit of far more information when we make a decision. Mr. Caravati pointed out a factual error in the draft letter regarding PACC. He said the Area B Study might even get the Southern Parkway built. Mr. Lynch said he thinks it would be premature to determine the width of Fontaine Avenue before doing the Area B Study. He said Council has gone on record supporting a two lane road network. He said he feels there is a precedent in County improvements to two lane roads without having to add roads. ORDINANCE : PANHANDLING IN RIGHT - OF - WAY Mr. O'Connell said that the City has received a number of calls about panhandling at traffic intersections, particularly with regard to safety, and this ordinance would prohibit panhandling at four of the City's busiest intersections. Tim Longo, Chief of Police, said several calls have been received from citizens who are gravely concerned about their safety and the safety of the public. He said complaints have also been received about aggres sive panhandling, but noted that this has been addressed by a separate ordinance recently adopted by Council. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Ms. Lisa Kelley, Deputy City Attorney, said that speeches would not be prohibited in this ordinance.