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411 <br /> <br /> Mr. Hans Gerstl said that his family owns property and businesses on 2208 and <br />2206 Fontaine Avenue. He said that Fontaine needs to be improved, but said that people <br />currently cannot find their way to park in the rear and expressed concern about the alley <br />access idea. He said the current alleys are not wide enough to handle the traffic. He also <br />expressed concern about locating the bus stop in front of Ludwig's Restaurant as it would <br />take up half of the parking spaces and would be devastating to his outdoor cafd project. <br />Mr. Gerstl said that the plan to widen Fontaine is wonderful and said he thinks that cars <br />parking on the street slow traffic. He asked that the bus stop location be moved. <br /> <br /> Mr. Mitchell Kane, 114 Todd Avenue in Fry's Spring neighborhood, said he <br />wholehearted supports the proposal as he thinks it is consistent with the long term goals <br />of the City. He said he believes his view is shared by many in Fry's Spring neighborhood. <br />He said there is some concern that the Jefferson Park Avenue/Fontaine/Maury Avenue <br />intersection has become a step child in this study. He said that intersection is a huge <br />hazard for pedestrians. He said he believes that funding for Fontaine Avenue was <br />reallocated to the Meadowcreek Parkway, and said that if that is the case, he requested <br />that money be returned to use at that intersection since federal money is now available for <br />Meadowcreek Parkway. <br /> <br />As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said that good points have been made by the audience. He said that <br />the context sensitive approach provides a good framework, and noted that this is a <br />conceptual study, not a design. He said the bus pullout might be premature, and asked <br />that the neighborhood be worked with on where it should be sited if one is put in. He <br />said he supports the idea of access via alleyways, but said we have to be careful about <br />how it is done, especially where there is a mix of residential and commercial properties. <br />He said the practical implications may be difficult, but it could be done where it makes <br />sense. In general he said he would like to move quickly. He noted that funds from <br />Fontaine Avenue went into the Hillsdale Drive Extension project. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Tolbert said Council is being <br />asked to approve the context sensitive design concept, and VDOT will then be asked to <br />substitute this for the previous design. He said that VDOT must have design public <br />hearings. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling said he has seen the impact on Mr. Gerstl's restaurant, and feels it <br />would be devastating. He said taking away street access will be difficult. He said we do <br />need to be clear that we are not following this exact plan, but are agreeing with the <br />concept. He said he cannot support certain aspects of the plan that would harm <br />businesses. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he agrees with the concept, but wants to make it clear that he has <br />concerns with the bus stop and wants to make sure that the alley access proposal is <br />acceptable to the property owners. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati made a motion to approve the context sensitive design concept for <br />Fontaine Avenue, and Ms. Hamilton seconded the motion. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said he agrees with Councilors' comments, and also agrees with <br />comments made about the intersection. He said he would like to see it be an effective <br />and safe intersection. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said VDOT can be asked to extend the design to include the <br />intersection. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling asked how we can insure that VDOT understands Council's intent, <br />and Mr. Tolbert said he will draft a letter to include with the resolution that lists issues <br />Council wants addressed. <br /> <br /> Council approved the context sensitive design concept for Fontaine Avenue by <br />the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Mr. Caravati, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. <br />Schilling. Noes: None. <br /> <br /> <br />