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5 <br />noted that the property was listed as historic when it was purchased by SHE. She said <br />there have been repeated efforts to remove the designation and to demolish the building, <br />all of which have been denied. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said he was Director of Community Development when the property <br />was designated, and it was a deliberate act. He said it is an historic property that adds to <br />the fabric of the community, and he opposes demolition. <br /> <br /> Mr. Taliaferro agreed. <br /> <br /> Ms. Edwards said she would like to save the building, and she hopes something <br />similar to what happened with an historic building on 10 ½ Street will happen with this <br />property. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said he thinks the building should be preserved. He said a compelling <br />reason to demolish is not so the owner can sell the property for more money. He made a <br />motion to uphold the BAR decision to deny demolition, and Mr. Huja seconded the <br />motion. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris said he agrees with all comments made. <br /> <br /> Council denied the appeal to demolish 1328 Riverdale Drive and upheld the <br />decision by the BAR by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Huja, <br />Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. <br /> <br />REPORT <br />: ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE <br /> <br /> Mr. Aubrey Watts, Director of Economic Development, said that an emphasis has <br />been put on green, environmental and workforce development projects. He said a lot of <br />the federal stimulus money is being directed at cities with higher foreclosure rates, and <br />there are limited opportunities for small communities. He said the best bets for money <br />for Charlottesville are in the areas of energy efficiency, environment, transit, and public <br />housing. He said he believes the Housing Authority is in line to receive $2.7 million, and <br />the Schools $5 million. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Dr. Brown about stimulus funds for Jefferson <br />School, Mr. Watts said earmark funds have been requested for Jefferson School, but we <br />have not been assured if that will be successful. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said he would like an update about what the schools are planning to do <br />with their stimulus funds. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said he hopes the funds will be used more on CIP projects than <br />operational, and Mr. Watts agreed that they will need to be used for one time costs. <br /> <br /> Ms. Edwards said the ability of the Housing Authority to use their funds will be <br />based on their troubled status. <br /> <br /> Mr. Norris noted that $700,000 in projects have been submitted and are under <br />review. <br /> <br />RESOLUTION <br />: ALLOCATING $614,780 IN HOUSING FUNDS <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert reviewed the recommendations for the balance of housing funds. He <br />said staff feel that two of the projects do not meet the criteria: The Folsom group because <br />it was not an open enough process, and MACAA because it appears to be more of a <br />social program. He said staff also has concerns about the Region Ten program as it will <br />be used on only ten clients. Mr. Tolbert said that would leave a balance of $372,357 to <br />be decided on in the future. <br /> <br /> <br />