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9 public utility easement; and 3) Will vacation of the street or alley result in an adverse impact on traffic on nearby public streets, or result in undesirable circulation conditions for vehicular movements in and through the subdivision? The public hearing was opened, but as there were no speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Lynch said if we do vacate the street, we should look at the property as a single piece and transfer it all to the applicant and not split it between adjacent properties. He said he does not think it makes sense to give half to the railroad. He said one question he has is whether and under what conditions could the applicant transfer property he owns at the creek along Valley Road Extended to the City. He said this would give the applicant developable property and would further the City’s goal of preserving the creek shed. If there is not a consensus on this, he feels that at the very least the City should get some payment as the applicant’s property value will be increased considerably. He said he would prefer to trade property. Mr. Brown said that in street closings the property typically reverts to adjoining property owners, but there is a statutory exception which appears to be applicable in this situation. He said he will verify this by second reading. He said the point about trading property may require a discussion with the applicant. Mr. Brown asked if maintaining an easement by the creek would satisfy Mr. Lynch. Mr. Lynch said that an easement would satisfy him if it is for comparable property. Dr. Brown said he likes Mr. Lynch’s path of protecting the City’s interest in the stream. He said it would also provide the applicant with better access. Mr. Brown suggested that more information be provided prior to the second reading of the ordinance. Mr. Joe Kerley, applicant for the street closing, said he is willing to provide protection around the stream. Mr. Schilling seconded the motion, and the ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING AND DISCONTINUING THAT PORTION OF GROVE STREET EXTENDED LOCATED OFF VALLEY ROAD EXTENDED ADJACENT TO PARCELS 133-135 ON CTY TAX MAP 23” was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. Mr. Lynch asked that staff ascertain whether the bridge that was built as part of the railroad overpass, which seems substantial, could be used for carrying traffic. He said this would provide natural access into the property. PUBLIC HEARING/APPROPRIATION : $776,000 – TRANSIT FUND GRANT FOR AVON STREET FACILITY Ms. Judy Mueller, Director of Public Works, explained that a year ago Council authorized a grant application for funding for the Avon Street facility and a grant of $776,000, consisting of federal and state funding, has been awarded. She said a local match of $57,000 is required which is available in the City Yard fund. Responding to a question from Mr. Lynch, Ms. Mueller said that a consultant is being hired to do the final design and there is currently a site plan review underway with Albemarle County. Responding to a question from Mr. Lynch, Mr. Bill Watterson, Transit Manager, said that the best case for the transfer to the new facility is fall of 2008. The public hearing was opened, but as there were no speakers, the public hearing was closed.