2006-02-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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52 Mr. Clyde Bradbeer, 130 Stribling Avenue, said that downtown before the mall was deadly and it is now vibrant. He said it depends on the quality of life for pedestrians. He said it would be a real mistake to open the street and he has heard no compelling reasons to open it. Mr. Warren McLellan, 102 D-2 Oakhurst Circle, said he empathizes with small business owners, but said we have heard mostly anecdotal evidence from businesses. He said if Council decides to pursue the crossing, they should do a citizen survey. He said he does not think a crossing would be a positive change. He said pedestrian activity should be encouraged. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, said she previously asked Council not to th close 7 Street. She said as President of North Downtown Residents Association, she served on the Downtown Advisory Committee, but was the only resident on the Association. She urged Council not to open a crossing. Mr. Steve Blaine, 2007 Hessian Road, Executive Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, said he supports a crossing even if it is on a trial basis. He said he supports economic vitality. He said the mall is a success because it is a destination. He said we have real life evidence to show that a crossing and pedestrians can co-exist. nd Ms. Cheri Lewis, 809 2 Street, N.E., Planning Commission member, said the vote not to allow a crossing by the Planning Commission was not unanimous, and she did not vote with the majority. She said there are issues of safety, connectivity and due process. She said she thinks formal information could be gained from visiting nd Williamsburg. She said the crossing at 2 Street could be improved. She said it is difficult to get around the mall. She said another crossing will alleviate backup at the Transit Center. She said that the Planning Commission was not involved in the closing of thth 6 or 7 Street as the law requires. Mr. Jeffrey Rossman, 1862 Edgewood Lane, agreed with comments made by David Repass. He said he takes his 4 year old daughter to the mall and he does not have to worry about her. He said it is special to have that experience and it will be lost with a new opening. He said the mall is a great success and he thinks there is a better solution. Ms. Carla Mullin, 621 St. Charles Avenue, said she owns a business on Water Street. She said outside tourists are needed to support businesses on the mall, and she th supports a crossing at 4 Street. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Caravati said that the Planning Commission noted that the crossing would be contrary to the Comprehensive Plan and he asked Mr. Brown to speak to that. Mr. Brown said that the Comprehensive Plan is being redone, and if Council opens up a crossing, this could be reflected in the new Plan. th Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati about comments made about 7 Street being closed contrary to State law, Mr. Brown said that a public hearing is only required if directed by this Council. He said that the Planning Commission approved the th site plan for 7 Street. He said a public hearing is not mandatory. Mr. Lynch said he appreciates comments made by speakers. He said he is not th against the idea of another crossing. He said he did not think we should have closed 7 Street, but that has been done. He said he would like to see a number of things done nd before another opening. He said we should change the direction of the 2 Street crossing and change the circulation around the mall. He said if we look to open another street, he th thinks it should be 5 Street. He said signage is key. He said he agrees we need to look at parking comprehensively. He said he thinks parking spaces on the street close to the mall should be restricted to 15 minutes. He acknowledged that part of the frustration is poor planning in closing a lane on Water Street. He said we need to factor in the fact that repairs need to be done on the Avon Street bridge.