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7 <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown noted that the comment about not capturing the runoff referred to the <br />previous pond alternative. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tim Hulbert, 2246 Brandywine Drive, President of the Chamber of <br />Commerce, said the Chamber supports the expeditious construction of the Meadowcreek <br />Parkway. He said the Chamber also supports the Eastern, Southern and Biscuit Run <br />Connectors, and Hillsdale Drive Extension. He applauded staff for the enormous amount <br />of work they have done and Delegate David Toscano for helping move this important <br />project forward. He said it will provide access and it is important to maintain downtown <br />as a vibrant employment, retail, business and residential center. <br /> <br /> As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton reiterated that we are not doing the recreational pond as originally <br />proposed because it will not meet the environmental needs of the road. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said that the Army Corps of Engineers also took issue with the pond as <br />originally proposed. He said he would like to see stream bank restoration at Schenk’s <br />Branch which he said will also help. He said there is a large Rivanna utility easement <br />there and we need to make sure they do not mow down whatever is planted. He said we <br />have the potential to mitigate the stream. He said three conditions still need to be <br />considered: a functioning interchange; replacement parkland; and a commitment by <br />Albemarle County to a regional road network. He said he thinks we can get to the <br />interchange this fall. He said we are not there yet with replacement parkland. He said he <br />would not approve the easement until VDOT has acquired all of the parkland because <br />once we grant the easement we will not get anything more out of them. He said we are <br />not there yet with a commitment by the County to a regional road network. He said he is <br />not impressed by the County’s commitment to the connector roads. He said we should <br />wait until there is a schedule for building the roads and a road alignment. He said the <br />County is more interested in building more roads in the City. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton pointed out that Council is not taking action tonight. She said she <br />is not as concerned about the parkland as Mr. Lynch. She said she sees movement. She <br />said the regional road network issue needs to be resolved. She said she would be <br />satisfied if the County passed a resolution regarding the connectors. She said it would <br />help if the Chamber of Commerce worked toward that also. <br /> <br /> Mr. Taliaferro said that the intersection design is better. He said he is also <br />concerned about the County’s commitment to a regional road network. He said he thinks <br />the replacement parkland issue needs to be cleaned up and we need a bigger commitment <br />for the land. He expressed concern about the intersection at Melbourne Road. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris said a better analysis is needed of the intersection at Melbourne Road <br />and its impact on the neighborhood. He said it is not entirely fair to say the County has <br />not committed to a regional road network, but he wants to see the follow through. He <br />said he would like to see the County’s commitment extended to beefing up transit. Mr. <br />Norris asked if the Living Education Center would be interested in having a <br />representative on the Stormwater Management Committee. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch agreed with the need to look at Melbourne Road. He said he thinks it <br />is necessary to get more than a resolution of support out of the County. He said the <br />County does not want to build the Southern Connector because development is already <br />there and people there do not want more traffic. He said that is not a burden only the City <br />should bear. He said the same thing is true about the Eastern Connector. He said we <br />need to see the alignments and need concrete evidence of the County’s transportation <br />plans. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown disagreed with Mr. Lynch, and said he thinks a clear resolution of <br />intent by the County would be helpful. He said a big issue is money for State projects. <br />Regarding the replacement parkland, he asked for a report on the problems and timelines <br />for the property. He asked if there is a legally binding way to ensure that the property is <br /> <br />