2008-08-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, President of North Downtown Residents Association, said that traffic will affect North Downtown neighborhoods. She said that one of the driving forces behind the Parkway is the Chamber of Commerce so people will come downtown. She said people already come downtown. She said North Downtown will be used as a shortcut to I-64. Mr. Dan Bluestone, 501 Park Hill, said the designs are deeply flawed for the interchange. He said other issues need to be addressed before the easement and design are approved. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Huja said it is his understanding is this is the same easement previously approved with minor changes. He said transportation is an important part of any community, and there has to be a balance. He said a commitment to pedestrians, bicyclists and roads is a part of that. He said he supports the easement. Mr. Taliaferro said he supported the easement last time and intend to support it this time. He said the Parkway is important to the future of downtown. Dr. Brown said important issues have been raised, but they are more about future transportation than the Parkway. He said we need genuine choices for people. He said we cannot pull money out of this project and give it to other things such as the bus system. He agreed with Mr. Huja and Mr. Taliaferro that for where we are now this is an important road. He said we need a vibrant downtown. He said we need to work with Albemarle County. He said he agrees with devoting more money to walking and bicycling. Mr. Norris said there has been a shifting series of conditions. He said he did not want to leverage this asphalt for more asphalt, but instead is interested in making a substantial investment in other areas. He said he does not think there has been sufficient progress on those. He said he never has been a fan of the road and will vote against the easement. On motion by Mr. Huja, seconded by Mr. Taliaferro, the Resolution Approving a Temporary Construction Easement for Meadowcreek Parkway was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Mr. Huja, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: Ms. Edwards and Mr. Norris. WHEREAS , the City of Charlottesville is the owner of McIntire Park; and, WHEREAS , the Commonwealth of Virginia, through its Department of Transportation, has requested a temporary right and easement to use approximately 22.2 acres within McIntire Park for the construction of McIntire Road Extended, also known as the Meadow Creek Parkway, and related utility and drainage work; and, WHEREAS , by Resolution adopted October 1, 2007 City Council authorized the granting of the easement upon the fulfillment of certain conditions; and, WHEREAS , in accordance with the prior Resolution the Virginia Department of Transportation (“VDOT”) has certified that it has acquired title to or a permanent easement over 49.1 acres of real property that will be dedicated for use by the City as replacement park land, and that this temporary construction easement will not be used to construct an at-grade intersection at the intersection of U.S. Route 250 Bypass; and, WHEREAS , the storm water drainage system has been designed in accordance with the concept previously approved by the Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council for the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that this Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to sign the following document, in form approved by the City Attorney: