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12 affordable transportation alternative to access the population and commercial centers of Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia and the Northeast, and WHEREAS enhanced passenger rail service in the Piedmont Corridor could be an important part of the solution to the problems of congestion, safety and environmental stresses caused by the fast increasing population in the areas adjacent to U.S. 29 North, I- 95, and 66 and I- WHEREAS the economies of the cities and counties of the Piedmont Corridor would greatly benefit from greater accessibility by rail that could accommodate tourists, students, business persons and others who travel on U.S. 29 to and from Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia, and WHEREAS communities along the corridor between Lynchburg and Washington, DC make heavy use of the services provided by Amtrak, the limited frequency and capacity of these trains do not adequately meet the needs of most travelers who could use this passenger rail alternative. With 20 weekly Amtrak trains, ridership is higher per scheduled train at Charlottesville’s Main Street Station than that at either the Richmond or Newport News stations, and WHEREAS with expanded passenger rail services we believe that substantial numbers of travelers would use these services, reducing the demands placed on overcrowded highways and fuel consumption, while helping to reduce the emissions that contribute to global warming, and WHEREAS the potential ridership and the accompanying economic and environmental benefits of enhanced passenger rail service in the Piedmont Corridor between Lynchburg and Washington, DC has not yet received the attention of the Virginia Rail Advisory Board and the Commonwealth Transportation Board that we believe is merited, and WHEREAS sound market research will provide a basis for determining the potential use, costs and benefits that will accrue to the citizens of Albemarle, Greene, Madison, Orange, Culpeper, Nelson, Amherst, Fauquier and Prince William counties and the cities of Lynchburg and Charlottesville from enhanced passenger rail service, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Charlottesville City Council joins the Piedmont Rail Coalition in requesting that a market study of the nature and demand for passenger rail service in the aforementioned corridor be conducted, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Charlottesville City Council strongly supports the application to the Commonwealth of Virginia to fund a valid and comprehensive survey of citizens throughout this corridor, and understands that such funding may require a local match by participating jurisdictions, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT , upon approval of such funding by the Commonwealth of Virginia, or at such time as it becomes necessary, the Charlottesville City Council will entertain a request to financially participate in any required local match. nd ORDINANCE : CHANGES TO HOURS OF CERTAIN PARKS (2 reading) Ms. Hamilton said she has heard feedback from dog walkers and tour guides who are concerned about the earlier closing time for the parks. Mr. Mike Svetz, Director of Parks and Recreations, said he would defer to the Police Department as to whether exceptions would be made. He said the sidewalks outside of the parks might serve dog walkers just as well. Mr. Lynch asked if anything has progressed regarding the debarment issue. He said that may be a better tool to deal with drunk and disorderly types in the parks. Mr. Svetz said debarment is being addressed administratively.