Laserfiche WebLink
7 <br /> Mr. Norris said that a more cost effective way to install WIFI was recommended, <br />and Mr. Tolbert said it is being investigated. <br /> <br /> The public hearing was opened. <br /> <br /> Mr. Bob Stroh, Chair of the Downtown Business Association, presented a petition <br />signed by downtown businesses in support of the mall project. He said the project has <br />had a lot of review, and he urged Council to approve it. <br /> <br /> Ms. Morgan Perkins, owner of Safe Moon Gallery, appealed to Council to <br />approve the project as soon as possible. She said it will restore the major economic <br />engine of the City. <br /> <br /> Mr. Jim Perkins, owner of Sage Moon Gallery, said he constantly hears comments <br />from customers about the deterioration of the mall. <br /> <br /> Ms. Elizabeth Meyer, 2000 Thomson Road, thanked Council and staff for their <br />careful listening. She said the mall is the City’s economic center and social space, and is <br />a cultural and historic treasure. She said she agrees with the general decision to go with <br />the 4” x 12” bricks as that differentiates this project from the other buildings and projects. <br />She said she also appreciates the recommendation for a design committee. <br /> <br /> Mr. John Hall made comments about redoing the mall with concrete. <br /> <br /> Mr. Daniel Bluestone, 501 Park Hill, said that 85% of the bricks on the mall are in <br />good shape, and they should be repointed and reused. He said local masons should be <br />used for the project. <br /> <br /> Ms. Karen Waters, 1014 St. Charles Avenue, encouraged Council to find a way to <br />get local people to do the work on the mall. She said the homeless and felons can do the <br />work. <br /> <br /> Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, said he has been a resident of downtown <br />since 1984. He said there has been little talk of the future of the mall and the life cycle <br />estimate. <br /> <br /> Mr. George Benford, owner of SIPS Wine Bar, said the mall has a lot to offer for <br />the future, and he supported the plan. <br /> <br /> As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said renovation of the mall is long overdue, and its character and design <br />should be preserved. He said he supports using the 4” x 12” bricks for the vehicular <br />crossing. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said that 4” x 8” bricks set in sand are recommended for the vehicular <br />crossings. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said the bricks can be replaced if they break. He asked what will <br />happen to the old brick. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert said the old bricks will not be destroyed or thrown away, and staff is <br />exploring what to do with them. He said he will talk with the City’s procurement staff <br />and will come back with a plan. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said there are original bricks under the mall at Central Place. He said he <br />would like to see the old bricks reused in the City. He said some bricks should be kept in <br />stock for runnel replacement. He said he hopes granite can be used. He said he would <br />love to see newspapers grouped together as they currently look hideous. <br /> <br /> <br />