2009-04-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 Mr. Norris asked if consideration has been given to keeping the parking lot open next to the pool after construction of the interchange, and Mr. Daly said that has always been up in the air, but it is already difficult to get in and out of the parking lot. Mr. Norris said he understands private citizens have offered to pay for the repairs. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Downing Smith, 810 Locust Avenue, said he is glad to see public input. He said if the road is going to impact the pool then the road is too big. He said we should be able to come up with the money. He said the wading pool is a unique place, as are the swings and picnic area. Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, said other interchange designs would not have had as much impact as the one chosen by Council. He said Council should reconsider the interchange after it has more information on other choices. Ms. Virginia Germino said she lives above the intersection. She said simple things seem to be doomed. She said maybe we should not have any outdoor recreation due to the pollution caused by the road. Mr. Richard Collins, 108 Wilson Court, said over 60 softball teams use McIntire Park and people have become vehement about saving the park. Ms. Pat Napoleon, 700 Lyons Avenue, said the pool holds great memories for her. She said the park is being chiseled away, and asked that Council not destroy it needlessly. Mr. Jim Moore, Hazel Street, said that as a former lifeguard and pool manager he is excited about the new pool facilities. He said the wading pool is a unique and different experience from those facilities. He said he thinks there are less expensive options to comply with the federal law such as installing a second drain or covering the drain with a grate. He said if Council decides not to keep it open the City should consider allowing outside agencies to make proposals to run the facility. Ms. Nancy O’Brien said her son works for the Consumer Protection Agency and she has read a lot about children who were hurt by pool drains. She said if the pool is kept open the City should do its best so that children are not exposed to damage. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Dr. Brown said he agrees with Mr. Moore that the experience is different at the wading pool. He said he thinks we need to keep the wading pool in our repertoire of pools. He said if we have private money it becomes an easy decision. Mr. Norris said one of the private donors said they would be more inclined to do it if the pool remains for years, not just one year. Mr. Huja agreed the wading pool is a different experience. He noted that the interchange chosen by Council was the narrowest footprint we have. He said it still allows us to use the pool. He said he would like to get private donations and save the pool. Mr. Taliaferro said he would like to see the wading pool preserved. He said it is a Charlottesville tradition and a different experience from other pools. Ms. Edwards agreed with comments made, especially using private money. She said she hopes the park master plan process creates an opportunity for public input at the beginning of the process. She said we need to get back to where our values are. She said we need a place for toddlers. Mr. Norris said he agrees with the sentiments and would like to keep it open as long as possible. He said he hopes we can find a way for the pool and interchange to co-