2008-04-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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12 recommendation is not made in total confidence which is why traffic counts and monthly monitoring is recommended. Ms. Edwards said that as the traffic is evaluated, she would also like to evaluate pedestrian safety. Mr. Norris said he thinks it is safe to presume that traffic using the crossing is cut- through traffic now. Mr. Tolbert said the cars using the crossing at this time appear to be looking for parking or businesses. Dr. Brown said his concern is whether it will get true cut-through traffic. He said we need to be prepared to change that decision if that happens. He said he thinks we should support the police regarding closing the crossing during large events. He agreed that drop-off parking is needed. th Mr. Norris said the resolution essentially codifies the 4 Street crossing. He said he thinks the mall is a pedestrian space, and he does not think the evidence is convincing for its need. He said that if we are going to keep a crossing, he would support keeping it th where it is. He said he is divided about two-waying of 4 Street. He said his sense is to give it a try. Mr. Huja made a motion to approve the resolution, amending it to include that pedestrian as well as vehicular traffic be monitored, and to include that the final design will come back to Council as well as the Planning Commission. Mr. Taliaferro seconded th the motion, and the Resolution Establishing a Permanent Vehicular Crossing at 4 Street, as amended, was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Mr. Huja, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: Ms. Edwards and Mr. Norris. WHEREAS , the City Council of the City of Charlottesville requested the Planning Commission to: (1) review the issue of an additional vehicular crossing of the Downtown Mall; (2) determine whether an additional vehicular crossing is consistent with the 2007 Comprehensive Plan; (3) provide guidance on whether the crossing should thth be at 4 Street or 5 Street; and (4) recommend the direction of traffic flow; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission met on March 11, 2008 and made recommendations to City Council with respect to such issues; now, therefore BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council for the City of Charlottesville that: th 1.An additional vehicular crossing is permanently established at 4 Street, East between Market Street and Water Street. th 2.The southbound directional flow of 4 Street, East shall remain unchanged. th 3.The section of 4 Street between Water Street and Garrett Street shall be re- opened as two-way and new signage placed there to ensure safety. In twelve months Council will review this decision to determine if changing the direction to two-way has resulted in a significant increase in traffic through the adjacent neighborhood and on the Mall. 4.Increased efforts by law enforcement will be made to reduce stopping, standing, th and parking in the 4 Street crossing. th 5.The final physical design of the 4 Street crossing will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council for comment. 6.Improved signage will be installed to direct traffic to the alley running ththth perpendicular to 4 and 5 Streets when 4 Street is closed at the mall.