Laserfiche WebLink
4 <br />education, affordable housing, transit, recreation, and the capital improvement program. <br />He provided revenue projections for a three year period and reviewed budget dates. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown thanked Mr. O’Connell for a good presentation, and said the City <br />Manager and budget staff should be commended on the proposed budget. He noted that <br />conservative budgeting projections kept the City out of trouble this year. He said we are <br />still expecting more State funding shortfalls. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris asked that the responses from the on-line survey on smart and efficient <br />government be provided. He said he would also like to have a one to two page listing of <br />infrastructure projects. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING/ORDINANCE <br />: ABANDONMENT OF UTILITY EASEMENTS <br />TH <br />ON PROPERTY OFF 15 STREET, N.W. <br /> <br /> Mr. Craig Brown, City Attorney, said that sanitary sewer and stormwater <br />easements are being abandoned and have been relocated by the developer. <br /> <br /> The public hearing was opened, but as there were no speakers, the public hearing <br />was closed. <br /> <br /> On motion by Dr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Taliaferro, the ordinance entitled “AN <br />ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ABANDONMENT OF STORMWATER AND <br />SANITARY SEWER EASEMENTS ON PROPERTY OWNED BY <br />PAVILION LLC ON 15TH STREET, N.W.” was offered and carried over to the next <br />meeting for consideration. <br /> <br />REPORT <br />: CITY ECONOMIC MARKET STUDY <br /> <br /> Mr. Aubrey Watts, Director of Economic Development, noted that Council had <br />received a briefing from Martha Jefferson Hospital about their plans for the hospital site <br />on Locust Avenue, and a Market Study was completed. He said that the study includes a <br />tremendous amount of economic data for the City. He said while there is an economic <br />downturn, it is not as bad in the City as it is in State government or in other parts of the <br />State. He said the study is a forward looking document and will help us make informed <br />decisions about development and can help the City determine where to support projects <br />and help with public policy issues. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Taliaferro, Mr. Watts said that class A office <br />space has high upfit, nice finishes and parking on-site. <br /> <br /> Mr. Taliaferro asked if there is a way to link some of the development to good <br />workforce development, and Mr. Watts said yes. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said he is pleased to have this information, and suggested putting it on <br />the website. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. O’Connell, Mr. Watts said that Charlottesville <br />is the fourth largest technology area in the State, and they are close to an agreement about <br />incubator space. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris said he agrees with Mr. Taliaferro about the need for workforce <br />development, and helping move the working poor up the ladder. He said there is some <br />sense that channeling economic development in the business community has stalled, and <br />he asked what can be done to help revive that. <br /> <br /> Mr. Watts said all areas have seen some activity. He said it is unrealistic to think <br />every corridor will be built out in the near future. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Norris, Mr. Watts said that assessments are <br />being finalized on the Water Street lots. <br /> <br /> <br />