1996-02-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

22 Ms. Slaughter said she feels having the environmental study done will be very beneficial for the city. The resolution authorizing the sale of the CSX property was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Slaughter, Mr, Toscano, Mr. Vandever. Noes: Rev. Edwards. REPORT: BICYCLE LANES ON WEST MAIN STREET Mr. Satyendra Huja, Director of Community Development, explained that staff have looked at parking alternatives to replace the loss of 55 spaces in the West Main Street area should bike lanes be installed. Mr. Huja said that a public meeting was held on February 8th with property owners and businesses on West Main Street to discuss the installation of bike lanes and removal of parking, and most merchants xvere opposed to losing the parking. Mr. Huja said that the City has recently been notified that State guidelines call for 5 foot bike lanes and therefore some modification in the widths provided Council will need to be made since the street is less than 45 feet across. Mr. Huja said that staff recommendation is as follows: 1) build replacement parking and then build the bike lanes; and 2) adopt alternative B which includes parking on the north side of West Main Street only, two travel lanes, one turning lane, and two bike lanes. Mr. Huja noted that the West Main Street area is the first priority for bike lanes in the Comprehensive Plan, is the primary link between downtown and the University, and moves toward more balanced transportation options. Mr. Huja noted that not following the State's guidelines for lane widths could put the City at some risk. Although not a public hearing, Mr. Toscano permitted presentations from citizens supporting installation and opposing installation of bike lanes, each taking approximately 10 minutes. Ms. Ruth Stometta, owner of Blue Wheel Bicycles on the Comer, noted that the Corner area had parking removed when the area was renovated and no businesses were hurt, and the san~e thing can happen on West Main Street. Ms. Stometta said that businesses must change m keep up with changing markets, and supported installation of the bicycle lanes on West Main Street. Mr. Alexis Ziegler, 1014 Grove Street, said that he is active in the bicycle association. Mr. Ziegler said he and others have monitored parking lots in the West Main Street area and identified lots where parking could be made available. Mr. Ziegler encouraged Council to set a timetable for installation of bicycle lanes and to look at parking alternatives. Mr. John Bunch of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Bicycle Association noted that bicycle lanes have been included in the City's Comprehensive Plan and he feels the timing is excell.ent for installation of the bike lanes on West Main Street. Mr. Bunch noted that very few streets in the City would meet the State's guidelines. Mr. John Carden, owner of Carden Gibson Salon, 731 West Main Street, said that he put his business in its present location in part because of on-street parking. Mr. Carden said that he has 1,500 customers who depend on nearby parking. Mr. Carden asked Council if any studies have been done to assess the economic impact on businesses of removing the parking lane or to determine the level of bike riders on West Main Street. Mr. Carden said he feels bikers should be willing to pay for stickers for their bikes for the privilege of having bike lanes. Mr. Carden asked Council to do an in-depth study of the issue. Mr. Paul Lippman, Manager of Southern Culture Restaurant on West Main Street, said that merchants are not against bikers, but are opposed to elimination of the 55 spaces. Mr. Lippman noted that a lot of the parking lots identified by the bikers are on private property and not available for public parking. Mr. Lippman expressed concern about the economic impact on businesses of removing the parking. Mr. Edward Hook, owner of property on West M~in~S/i-eet, expressed concern about Council removing the parking since he understood that the City is interested in development