2005-03-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL CHAMBER - March 21, 2005 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Mr. Caravati, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Schilling. PUBLIC Mr. Harry Smith, 2030 Spottswood Road, recommended that a 20 lane intersection for the Meadowcreek Parkway be studied in depth as well as a grade separated interchange. He said a 20 lane intersection would be less expensive and would take less park land. Mr. Tim Hulbert, 2246 Brandywine Drive, President of the Chamber of Commerce, asked that Council build the Meadowcreek Parkway. He said it is the most important roadway in the community and will be a beautiful gateway to downtown. He said accessibility to downtown is important. He noted that this will only provide one additional lane into and out of Charlottesville. He said a grade separated interchange could be an enhancement, but he thinks the road should be approved regardless. He asked this issue not be used to kill the Parkway. He said the Chamber of Commerce will help pursue the interchange on a parallel course. Mr. John Conover, 104 W. High Street, referenced remarks made by Mr. Schilling at Council's March 10 work session on the Elections Study Task Force report. He said Mr. Schilling has a right to his own opinion, but has no right to change the facts. He said Ms. Richards never turned in signatures to the Registrar to run as an independent and he never took down signs. He said he only asked the Registrar about illegal signs in the public right of way. He said there was no police report and it was wrong of Mr. Schilling to imply that he or the Democratic Party was involved in illegal activity. He said he wants the facts to be made public. Mr. Bill Emery, 1604 Woolen Mills Road, proposed that the City transfer the financial burden for streets lights to those who want them. Mr. Robert Hodous, 1309 Lester Drive, said he attended a presentation about the grade separated interchange for Meadowcreek Parkway by Mr. Tolbert to a Chamber of Commerce group. He said the 20 lane intersection originally planned by VDOT would make the situation better than what we currently have and would cost less than a grade separated interchange. He said that it is estimated that it will cost $25 million to build a grade separated interchange and $32 for the rest of the road. He said he thinks it is premature to make a decision to build a grade separated interchange. Mr. David Repass, 227 E. Jefferson St., spoke about the proposal by downtown merchants to provide another vehicular crossing of the downtown mall. He said that during the transit center charette the public was promised that there would be no second vehicular crossing, and he feels are being double-crossed with talk of a crossing at either 4th or 5th Street to replace 7th Street. He said 7th Street never crossed the mall. He is the principle concern is safety, especially for young children. He said he believes there are other solutions to help access to businesses. Ms. Sue Lewis, 1615-B Amherst Street, said Council has two alternatives about conditions for the Meadowcreek Parkway, one that would require absolute conditions, and one that would suggest conditions. She urged Council to adopt the conditions that are suggestions only. Mr. Dave Norris, 1111 Sherwood Road, spoke in agreement with Mr. Repass about crossing of the mall because of child safety. He said there was almost unanimous opposition to a crossing during the east end mall charette. Regarding the Meadowcreek Parkway, he said he opposes it altogether, but as it is moved forward, he hopes Council will put conditions on it and make sure it is part of a regional transportation strategy.