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9 <br />should move forward with this piece of the project. He also applauded Council for the <br />tax credit extension for technology businesses. <br /> <br /> As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch asked if it is VAPARC’s contention that the 10 foot width of property <br />is adjacent to Cochran, and Mr. Russell said yes. He said the survey does not show it, but <br />it is their contention that VAPARC owns the entire 10 foot strip. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch asked if it is VAPARC’s contention that if Cochran is closed they <br />would get half of the vacated property adjacent to the 10 foot strip, and Mr. Russell <br />answered affirmatively. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton asked if VAPARC is saying closing Cochran would impede their <br />access to their property. <br /> <br /> Mr. Russell said Cochran is VAPARC’s main access to parking, and closing <br />Cochran would force all traffic from the garage down through the artery. He said access <br />will not be restricted. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said there ought to be a way to work with U. Va., and asked if <br />VAPARC has offered to sell property to U. Va. <br /> <br /> Mr. Dave Dallas, attorney representing VAPARC, said yes, a sales offer has been <br />made. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said the issue for Council is whether to close the street, and Council <br />should keep the focus on that. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris agreed and said it is important to reiterate that Council’s action does <br />not preclude action down the road. <br /> <br /> Mr. Taliaferro agreed. <br /> <br /> Ms. Kelley said all plats show one corner of VAPARC’s property touching an <br />edge of Cochran Street right of way, but there is nothing to show it runs in front of <br />Cochran Street. <br /> <br />th <br /> Mr. Lynch said the question is does Cochran extend all the way to 11 Street, and <br />Ms. Kelley said not if it is above the southern edge right of way. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he thinks there is some public interest in closing Cochran Street as <br />the proposed development will benefit the City. He said U. Va. and the Hospital provide <br />a public interest. He said if there is a private interest the parties can work it out. He said <br />it is not ideal to have a parcel that is difficult to develop. He asked the Chamber to <br />facilitate this. He does not does not see closing to be against public interest. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Lynch, seconded by Ms. Hamilton, the ordinance entitled “AN <br />ORDINANCE CLOSING, VACATING, AND DISCONTINUING COCHRAN <br />TH <br />STREET LOCATED OFF 11 STREET, S.W.” was offered and carried over to the next <br />meeting for consideration. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING/RESOLUTION <br />: APPROVAL OF PLAN RE: BLIGHTED <br />PROPERTY AT 610 RIDGE STREET <br /> <br /> Ms. Kelley said that the Director of Neighborhood Development Services has <br />determined that 610 Ridge Street is a blighted property, and the Planning Commission <br />has recommended that Council approve the plan and remedy the blight. He said there is <br />more than a decade of property maintenance problems at this address, including neglect <br />and vacancy. She said the property is within a design control district. She said that since <br />the Planning Commission meeting the property owner contacted her brother and <br />authorized a building permit for repair to the soffet, but not for the larger issues. She <br /> <br />