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9 <br /> Council voted to deny the rezoning of on Franklin Street from R-1S to PUD by <br />the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Norris, Mr. <br />Taliaferro. Noes: None. <br /> <br />ORDINANCE <br />: TECHNOLOGY ZONE TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM EXTENSION <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris said his concern is two-fold. First he said it is an equity issue as only <br />one category of business qualifies for the tax relief. Second he said it is an effectiveness <br />question. He said the program is designed to encourage technology businesses, but he is <br />not aware of any that have moved here to take advantage of this incentive. He said he is <br />not suggesting that the program be eliminated altogether, but suggested that the tax break <br />be maintained for the first two years only. He said that beyond that he questions if we are <br />really getting anything out of it. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton asked how many have used the program, and Mr. O’Connell said <br />200 businesses have applied for and received the tax relief. He said he can provide more <br />details on the program. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Mr. O’Connell said the program was <br />started in 2001. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he supports looking at the matrix. He said he thinks the program <br />is appreciated by technology companies, but he thinks that when we give a tax break we <br />should see if we are having the intended results. <br /> <br /> Mr. Taliaferro made a motion to defer the ordinance and Ms. Hamilton seconded <br />the motion. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown asked that Mr. Norris refine his suggestions and give more of an idea <br />of a time limit. <br /> <br /> Council deferred the Ordinance Extending the Technology Zone Program by the <br />following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. <br />Noes: None. <br /> <br />PUBLIC <br /> <br />st <br /> Ms. Kathy Icenhour, 500 South 1 Street, said she is glad to hear that Council is <br />concerned about issues. She said progress is being made at the Housing Authority. <br /> <br />th <br /> Mr. John Gaines, 214 9 Street, N.W. asked if a process has been discussed for <br />thth <br />renaming the 9/10 Street Corridor. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said his thought was to have a public hearing on the matter in <br />September when people are not on vacation. <br /> <br /> Mr. Gaines said Roosevelt Brown is being inducted to the NFL Football Hall of <br />Fame in August, there is a Jefferson School reunion in September, and Mr. Brown’s <br />birthday is in October. Mr. Gaines asked if Council has appointed the Jefferson School <br />committees. He said he would like to keep those appointments on Council’s agenda. He <br />th <br />said the 10and Page Neighborhood Associated voted in support of the BAR’s decision <br />to deny demolition and movement of the Wertland Street houses. <br /> <br /> Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, said that the North Downtown Residents <br />Association had an idea for an urban forestry plan that would provide a credit on a <br />property owner’s real estate tax when they plant a tree. She said she understands that if a <br />tree is cut down on historic property it is the property owner’s responsibility to replace it. <br />She said several trees have been cut down and not replaced. <br /> <br /> Ms. Naomi Roberts, 1140 St. Clair Avenue Extended, said she does not mind <br />paying more for decals, but would like to see more police added and have the four <br />officers that were cut put back. <br /> <br />