2006-07-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Ms. Andrea Wieder, 2331 Highland Avenue, said that the “tongue” or “thumb” sidewalk was added in 2005, but no process was followed. She said money for the “thumb” came from a PUD proffer. She asked that it be removed and that a plan be established to immediately get rid of it. She said it creates parking problems for Cherry Avenue Christian Church. Several people in the audience stood in support of her comments. Ms. Jeanne Chase, 223 Old Lynchburg Road, said she would like to see the promised removal of the “thumb” for safety reasons. She suggested that four stop signs be installed until a final plan can be crafted with input from the neighborhood. Mr. Johnny Parks, 107 Greenbrier Terrace, an Elder at Cherry Avenue Christian Church, said over 200 people from the church have signed a petition to have the “thumb” removed. He said it especially hurts funerals, but should also be removed for safety reasons as there is a blind spot. Mr. Bob Archer, 923 E. Market Street, a Trustee and Deacon of Cherry Avenue Christian Church, said the “tongue” has never been landscaped. He said no one at the City will say who approved putting it up or knows why it was put there. Mr. John Santoski, 2421 Sunset Road, President of the Fry’s Spring Neighborhood Association, said the “thumb” has been an issue since it was put in last year. He said alternatives suggested are worse and said it should be put back to how it originally was or the intersection should be revamped. Ms. Rhonda Miska, 712 Lyons Avenue, Social Justice Minister/Hispanic Ministry Coordinator at Church of the Incarnation, said that the Hispanic population in the Charlottesville area is increasing. She said two bills are before Congress regarding immigration reform, one of which is draconian. She asked that Council pass a resolution stating that it recognizes the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Several people in the audience stood in support of her comments. Mr. Peter Loach, 1620 Rose Hill Drive, spoke in support of comprehensive immigration reform. He said it is an important and vital issue to Charlottesville. He presented information on population data and trends. He said Hispanics are a significant part of the local economy and he encouraged Council to look seriously at the issue. Ms. Tatyanna Patten, 2209 Jefferson Park Avenue, supported inclusion in the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. She said it will lead the community to talk about walkable development, improved recycling, and building green. She said there is also a problem with homelessness in Charlottesville, and she expressed support for the funding for COMPASS. She said Council also needs to take a leadership role in this issue. Dr. Joe Mooney, 201 Sunset Avenue, agreed with previous comments made about the “thumb.” He said it is an example of bumbling bureaucracy and he finds it astonishing that no one accepts responsibility for it. He asked Council to find out who designed it and direct the City Manager to have it removed. He said the best plan is to remove it and put it back as it was and then take a year to figure out what can be done. th Ms. Nancy Deutsch, 134 10 Street, N.W. said she is pleased that the Mayor has signed onto the Mayor’s Climate Agreement. She asked Council to be a leader and put the goals of the Agreement into place. Mr. John Cruickshank, 700 Spring Lake, Earlysville, representing the Sierra Club and Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice, asked that Council join and sign the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. He said 240 cities and counties have signed the agreement. He said the Agreement includes three strategies: green vehicles; energy efficiencies and renewable energy solutions.