2005-05-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Ms. Creasy noted that Charlottesville receives more funding than counties. Ms. Billie Campbell of TJPDC, said that this plan is specifically tied to HOME funds. She said Charlottesville receives $619,000 and each of the other localities receive $121,000 plus rotating funds. She said the Plan is due to HUD by May 15. Ms. Hamilton asked if there is a mechanism to change the focus of the Plan and put more emphasis on rental housing next year. Ms. Creasy said the goals are broad so the focus areas can be changed. Mr. Lynch made a motion to approve the Action Plan and Dr. Brown seconded the motion. Ms. Hamilton asked if there is a mechanism to move forward with other localities on a regional approach, and to share funds with them. Mr. Caravati suggested putting these ideas forward via Mr. Lynch who serves on the TJPDC. The CDBG Action Plan for FY 2006 was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch. Noes: Mr. Caravati and Mr. Schilling. PUBLIC HEARING/APPROPRIATION: $500,000 - TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION (STATE FUNDS) Mr. Tolbert said that VDOT did a reconciliation of past projects as part of the urban allocation management plan, and $500,000 is now available from the State for the Traffic Signal Synchronization (ITS) project. He said the total cost is expected to be $1.5 million to $2 million. He said 20 to 25% efficiency is expected to be gained. Responding to a question from Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Tolbert said an additional $500,000 is needed for the project, and the City has a request in for an additional $300,000. Mr. Lynch suggested that there be a meeting with Transit staff to find out what they need to move traffic faster and prioritize buses. Mr. Tolbert said the Traffic Engineer has been asked to work with CTS for short- term changes. Responding to a question from Mr. Lynch, Mr. Tolbert said installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Preston and l0th Street is not an issue. He said the concern is that of eight criteria, this location meets none of the warrants, and it may open the City up to liability if accidents occur. He said a traffic signal can be put at this location if Council wants to do it. Ms. Hamilton noted that this traffic light was named as a priority by the Rose Hill neighborhood as well. Dr. Brown asked if there are other ways of addressing pedestrian safety, and Mr. Tolbert said a proposal was made for a pedestrian activated overhead flasher, but the neighborhood wants a traffic signal. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Jim Moore, 1213 Hazel Street, spoke in favor of the appropriation and traffic signal synchronization. He said that this requires purchase of a computer system and noted that some localities have been disappointed with their systems. He encouraged the City to perform its own in-house return on investment for each phase and publish those numbers. He said the City should plan to exceed the State due diligence requirements. He said all surveillance of intersections should be made available on the internet.