2004-02-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Mr. O'Connell asked for direction from Council about whether to engage the tax credit expert to provide guidance to assure that we go through the right process and achieve what w e want to achieve. If approved by Council, a contract and scope of work will be drawn up. Mr. Lynch asked if the building can be stabilized, and Mr. Gecker said yes, but there is an issue of who spends the money. It was the consensus of Council that the tax credit expert be engaged. Council discussed program components for the site. Ms. Richards said she agrees with the recommendations of the Task Force, especially with the idea of a cultural center. She said she thinks Jefferson School should b e a useful building to the community. She said she thinks we need to keep a broad definition of what Carver is, noting that it may not be identical to what it is now. Mr. Lynch said a cultural center in Carver is a high priority for him. He said if Alb emarle County agrees to move the library it could be moved there. Mr. Peter McIntosh, Jefferson School Task Force member, said he believes there would be concern about taking Carver as a library. Mr. Schilling said he would be concerned about giving to o broad a definition for Carver. He said people want to preserve the current use at that space. He said he would approve the concept of a cultural center with Carver remaining a recreation center as it currently is. Mr. Cox said he agrees that a recrea tion center should continue on the site. He said Carver might provide program space and a new recreation center could be built if economically feasible. Ms. Richards made a motion to adopt the rehabilitation plan for Jefferson School, including Carver a nd a cultural center as described in the Jefferson School Task Force report. Mr. Cox seconded the motion. Mr. Lynch said he has some concern and said Ms. Richards motion goes beyond what he will support. Ms. Waters suggested that the language on th e agenda be used, and Ms. Richards agreed to accept this language. Council approved the concept of a cultural center and Carver Recreation Center as elements of redevelopment by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Schilling. Noes: None. Ms. Nancy O'Brien, Jefferson School Task Force member, said a grant application has been prepared by community groups to go forward with an interpretive plan for a cultural center. Ms. O'Brien said this will begin to put a s tructure in place. She said she hopes the City will be part of the effort. Mr. Caravati suggested that the community groups work with City staff and present the information to Council. On motion by Mr. Lynch, seconded by Ms. Richards, Council voted (A yes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Schilling. Noes: None.) to instruct the tax credit expert to develop a process to: 1) identify uses and programs for remainder of the building; 2) outline steps needed to create a corporate entit y and next steps; and 3) address recommendations needing further study. Council discussed potential partners for the building.