2003-12-01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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11 Responding to a question from Mr. Lynch, Mr. Letteri said that it is expected to take 12 weeks for the architects to develop the design, but noted this does not include construct ion documents. Mr. Lynch said he would like to see more detail and would like to see more of the original design before making a decision about the funding. Mr. Cox said that by appropriating the money we are saying this project will happen. He said t he design hurdles are a matter of course. He said grants have specific deadlines, but we will not be relinquishing our rights on the design. Ms. Richards echoed Mr. Cox's comments. She said she thinks this project is in the best interest of the City an d will improve the transit system and will bring new life to the east end of the mall. She said she supports the appropriation, and will not hold it hostage to her own design ideas. She said Council will have input into that process. Mr. Schilling said Mr. Lynch makes a good point. He said it is conceivable that he will not approve the design and he will not support the appropriation. He thanked the Committee and staff for their work, but said he disagrees with the thrust of it. He said as a user of public transit he enjoys the experience of riding a bus, and would like to see a more effective and efficient system. He said he would like to see all of the $6 million go to transit rather than a building. He said the system is broken and he has missed several meetings because of this. He said he fears that we are going to embark on a $6 to $10 million project that will not substantially improve the system. He said he does not believe this is the appropriate way to improve the east end of the mall. He said he does not think this is the best location for a transit center. He said he does not think it is prudent to go forward with this project when we are in the midst of possible route and system changes. Mr. Cox said he hopes Council will see the lon g view. He said the completion of the east end of the mall is the first step in this cornerstone project and will be reinvesting in how people move in Charlottesville. He said he does not think this is a misplaced or an isolated piece. He said there is no need for all Councilors to support the project, and he thinks it is important that opposing voices are heard. He noted that there was not unanimous support when the mall was originally approved. He said things like this will help make rerouting happen . He said he is interested in levering grants for expansion of pedestrian transit. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox said that Pete Anderson who has been hired as an architect consultant for the City, will be appointed to the Committe e. Mr. Caravati said he supports the project and said it is consistent with the transit grant as are the public improvements. He said he has faith in the Committee to guide us and he looks forward to voting on the design. He said he thinks it is good f or the City to support this project. Mr. Caravati made a motion to approve the appropriation and the recommendations made by the Committee. Ms. Richards seconded the motion. She said it is disturbing to hear about the gaps in CTS service and feels th at needs to be worked on. She clarified that these funds are earmarked for building a transit center and cannot be used for operation of the transit system. She said the FTA has been involved in every stage of this project and has reviewed and supported it. The appropriation was offered and carried over for consideration. PUBLIC HEARING/ORDINANCE : LEASE OF AMPHITHEATER TO CHARLOTTESVILLE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Mr. O'Connell said that the proposal is to lease the amphitheater to the Ch arlottesville Industrial Development Authority which will allow significant improvements to be made to the amphitheater without City funds.