2007-09-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 On motion by Mr. Norris, seconded by Mr. Taliaferro, the ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF AIR RIGHTS OVER JEFFERSON PARK AVENUE AND THE GRANTING OF AN EASEMENT OVER A PORTION OF THE JEFFERSON PARK AVENUE RIGHT OF WAY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA FOR AN ELEVATED PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY” was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. Mr. Lynch said he would like to resolve the issue of the Southern Connector before we move forward with approving the ordinance. Dr. Brown suggested that an answer be provided to Mr. Lynch’s question by the next meeting. PUBLIC HEARING/ORDINANCE : REZONING 301 AND 315 WEST MAIN STREET FROM WEST MAIN CORRIDOR TO DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR Ms. Ebony Walden, Planner in Neighborhood Development Services, said that the rezoning request is being made to allow additional density and height for a nine story building to contain retail, condominiums and parking. She said the proffer includes: construction of all streetscape and sidewalks improvements; $300,000 to the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority for redevelopment of Westhaven or other CRHA housing sites; and inclusion of an analysis of pedestrian needs at the Ridge/McIntire intersection in its traffic study. Ms. Walden said that the site supports a larger building than what the current zoning allows. Ms. Walden said that the Planning Commission discussion, and 4-2 vote to deny the rezoning, centered around concern about the sewer capacity and low income housing proffer. She said the sewer capacity has since been verified, the offer for low income housing has been increased from $200,000 to $300,000, and the applicant will conduct a pedestrian and traffic study. She said staff recommends approval of the rezoning. Responding to a question from Ms. Hamilton, Ms. Walden said that the Planning Commissioners’ main concerns were about sewer capacity and affordable housing proffers, but noted that neither of those issues can technically be used to deny the rezoning. Mr. Taliaferro asked if staff is looking at the sewer capacity city-wide down the road. Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Services, said that a major analysis of sewer capacity is being done now and is due shortly. He noted that two separate lines serve this area. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Zachary Shanan, 701 E. High Street, Executive Director of ACCT, said that ACCT fully supports the rezoning to a higher density. He said he thinks that the traffic concerns can be addressed. He said he hopes Council will make a responsible decision regarding the affordable housing aspects of the proposal. Mr. Andy McClure, 1714 Calvary Circle, owner of West Main Restaurant, said the density is not his concern, but the noise, dust and debris could be detrimental to his business. He also expressed concern about the impact on his historic structure and its old brick walls. He said his business also currently leases a parking lot on this site. He said his biggest concerns are street and sidewalk improvements. He said Council should consider businesses already in the area and should try to improve the whole block. Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, said that the Planning Commission took care and consideration in reviewing this rezoning request. He said the improvements in the proffer are very small. He said if Council approves the option recommended by the staff then a precedent will be set for only making small improvements in proffers. He said it is a mistake to take the Planning Commission out of the process. He said that if