2008-07-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 said the Foundations would like to make a gift of a commemorative plaque for Meriwether Lewis on the downtown mall if the City is interested. th Mr. Joshua Bare, representing the Home Community Center, 341 11 Street, N.W. said the Center is working with a coalition for the homeless to provide shower facilities and setting up tent villages in green space. He said they are seeking property for a shelter. Mr. John Hall presented his plans for a homeless shelter to be built under parks. Mr. Raymond Mason, 717 Cynthianna Avenue, said the Police Advisory Committee is a good idea, but he is concerned that it will not have any authority. He said we need a system of checks and balances. Ms. Karen Waters, Executive Director of the Quality Community Council, thanked Council for its support of QCC’s urban farm and the African American Cultural Festival. She referred to the recent senseless killing of young men in the community. She read a letter on behalf of the McGruder family asking that youth stop the violence. She said CRHA has passed a no trespass policy but nothing has been done about th trespassing at 6 Street. She asked Council to give the Police the support they need. Mr. Zachary Shahan, Executive Director of ACCT, spoke in support of the Safe Route to School program. COUNCIL RESPONSES TO MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Dr. Brown said he was the soccer coach for the young man who was killed. He said we need to make sure the Police have the tools they need. He said it is also an issue of poverty. He said the City has a non-idling policy for City vehicles, but we should pursue the matter further and see if the General Assembly has given localities the authority to enforce it on private vehicles. He thanked Pastor Coles for his work with the Forum. Dr. Brown said he is not sure he would like the commemorative marker on the downtown mall, but there may be another location for it. Mr. Huja said he thinks the commemorative marker is a good idea, but agreed that the mall may not be the right place for it. He said it would be better to have it where there is a connection to an actual Meriwether Lewis event such as Market Street. Mr. Taliaferro agreed about the marker and said he would like to pursue it. Ms. Edwards thanked Mr. Bowen for his offer, and agreed with the concerns about putting it on the mall. She said she would like feedback from area residents about the appropriate location. She thanked Mr. Bare for his work in the community. She extended condolences to the McGruder family. She said there is so much work that we need to do as an entire community. She said we need to get back in touch with what we value and need to create a sense of community in every neighborhood. Mr. Norris also extended sympathy to the McGruder family. He said he shares the sentiments about the location of the marker, but appreciates the gesture. He thanked Joshua Bare for his work on behalf of the homeless. He asked Mr. Brown to explain the changes in the ordinance regarding compliance and enforcement. Mr. Craig Brown, City Attorney, said that the ordinance provide additional protection to private property rights by now making a property non-conforming if a portion of the site is acquired by the government by any means. APPOINTMENTS : BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS On motion by Dr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Taliaferro, Mr. Jon Schroeder was appointed to a three-year term on the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transportation (CHART) Plan Advisory Commission by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms.