2005-01-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Hamilton agreed that there is value to controlling the creek. She said she is interested in seeing the bridge across the creek built. Mr. Lynch said that at the last meeting he supported holding onto access to the creek and asked what that really means. He said it is useful to have access to the sides of the creek. He said ownership alone does not give continuous access as Leander Street is located in the middle of the creek. He said having an easement on the north side of the creek will, practically speaking, give the public more access. He said he would favor keeping the street or trading it for better access. Ms. Hamilton asked if the proffer for the bridge will be withdrawn if the street is not closed. Mr. Tolbert said the proffer for the bridge was part of a rezoning, not the street closing request, so it will not be withdrawn. Mr. Caravati's amendment to deny the closing was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Schilling. Noes: Dr. Brown and Mr. Lynch. The closing of Leander Street was denied by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Schilling. Noes: Dr. Brown. PUBLIC Dr. Brown said he welcomes comments from the public but said he would appreciate it if people would refrain from challenging the veracity of Councilors. Mr. David Repass, E. Jefferson Street, said he was challenging the veracity of a Councilor's report. Mr. Repass continued his comments from earlier in the meeting. He said he does not think there is much wrong with the ways things are. He said there is a lack of socio-economic diversity on Council and he thinks there are ways to address this, but he does not think a ward system will help. He said he thinks there are serious problems with communication between citizens, the City and Council. He said he looks forward to Council's work session on the Elections Study Task Force report. Mr. Jock Yellott, E. Market Street, expressed agreement with comments made earlier by Ms. Fenton requesting that the outdoor cafes be allowed during the winter months. He said the ordinance needs more flexibility. He said he will be happy to answer any questions the Council has about his proposal to amend the policy for sale of City property. Mr. Elizabeth Kutchai said that buildings in the Gildersleeve Wood are architecturally forgettable and she thinks it is a stretch to say that is an architecturally significant neighborhood. COUNCIL REPORTS Dr. Brown said this item has been added to the agenda to provide Councilors with an opportunity to make brief reports. He said bigger issues should be placed on the regular agenda. Mr. Lynch said he thinks it is a great idea to do this as we need to catch up on what we are doing on committees. He said that the Hillsdale Drive Steering Committee will be issuing its final report shortly and it will be forwarded to Council and the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Caravati agreed this is a good idea. He said legislative changes that the City has requested will be going before subcommittees and we need to make sure that our voices are heard. He said we need to stand against the bill proposed that would require Albemarle County and possibly the City to have funds withheld in regard to the Western Bypass.