2008-06-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

2 PUBLIC Mr. Paul Grady, Crozet, said he is disturbed about the consultant’s recommendations for the eastern connector. He said there is now growth in areas of the original suggested route. He implored Council to take the no build option off the table and get easements. Ms. Elizabeth Meyer, 2000 Thomson Road, said that the proposed renovations for the mall do not respect the integrity of the historic Halprin design of the downtown mall. She expressed concern about the proposal to replace the bricks with those of a different size. She said it is a far cry from rehabilitation. Ms. Lydia Brandt, 1322 Chesapeake Street, a board member of Preservation Piedmont and U. Va. graduate student, said the mall was built with a community process. She said it is important to understand Halprin’s design and the national significance of the mall. She said Council should take time to study the history and significance of the mall. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, said the trolley is working, and the North Downtown Neighborhood does not want more overhead wires that would be required with a streetcar. She asked if access to streets will be blocked with a streetcar, and how will parking be affected. She said streetcars are not biker friendly. She asked how taxpayers can absorb another multi-million dollar project. st Ms. Genevieve Keller, 504 North 1 Street, expressed concern about the design changes on the mall. She said ours is a rare survivor of pedestrian malls. She said it meets the criteria of the National Historic Registry. She said it should not be destroyed, but should be rehabilitated retaining the size and pattern of the brick and other features. Mr. Anthony Guy Lopez, Schuyler, said he was one who previously spoke out against the portrayal of Sacajawea in the Lewis and Clark statue as demeaning. He said a marker with language proposed by the family of Sacajawea and committee is very small and will not really be visible. He suggested that the sign be made 3’ x 5’ and that it include a positive image of Sacajawea and her son. He said the sign should acknowledge that the current image is objectionable. Mr. Raymond Mason, 717 Cynthianna Avenue, said the increased speeding fines should be expanded to the entire City. He said he has concerns about the funding requested for a study of a streetcar and the proposed cost of $7 million for the mall. nd Ms. Edith Good, 305 2 Street, S.W., agreed with speakers about the downtown mall. She said the renovations should adhere to the Halprin design. Mr. Zachary Shahan, 701 E. High Street, Executive Director of ACCT, said that there is a large investment up front with a street car, but the City will regain four or five times the money from revenues. He said Charlottesville is a prime candidate for the streetcar. He said it will channel development into the urban core. COUNCIL RESPONSES TO MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Mr. Huja said he agrees with all the comments made about the downtown mall. Ms. Edwards thanked Mr. Lopez for his comments. She said we need to embrace and acknowledge this as part of our history. She said the marker is small but it is the beginning of a healing relationship. Mr. Norris said the increased speeding fines cannot be applied city wide because by state law the streets must meet certain criteria. CONSENT AGENDA