1996-06-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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94 The public hearing was opened. Ms. Sally Nelson, 36 University Circle, expressed concern that removing parking on West Main Street will hurt businesses. Ms. Nelson suggested that the sidewalk on the south side of West Main be converted into a bike lane because there are fewer shops on that side of the street. Mr. Gary Alter, owner of the Camera Center, said he favors alternative #10. Ms. Lauren Howard said that the bike lanes are needed for safety and to encourage additional bicyclists on West main. Ms. Howard said the bicycling alliance supports alternative #12. A number of people in the audience stood in support of Ms. Howard's statement. Mr. John Harris, owner of Priority Press, said that the first question that should be asked is why should bike lanes be established on West Main since it would not connect to anything. Mr. Harris said he thinks the economic impact of the bike lanes should be studied. Ms. Syd Brown, 222 Monte Vista Avenue, said that air quality is decreasing and there are increases in asthma. Ms. Brown said that studies shows if you build bike lanes people will bike. Ms. Brown said adding bike lanes will make West Main convenient, safe and easy for bikers. Ms. Brown supported option #12. Mr. Harold Morris, representing the Charlottesville-Albemarle Chamber of Commerce Board of Director, asked Council to reconsider the decision to install bike lanes on West Main Street and to conduct an economic impact study. Mr. Morris said removing parking wilt harm the economic vitality of the merchants. Mr. Morris said he is also concerned that removing the parking will send a message to the business community as a whole that the City does not really understand or care about the business community. Mr. Morris asked that Council find another creative way to satisfy the bikers. Ms. Sarah Greenfield, owner of a business on the downtown mall, said she feels removing the parking wilt hurt businesses and would prefer to see bike lanes on Grady and Preston Avenues and a modified form of alternative #12 that would provide bike lanes during commuter hours and parking other times. Ms. Janet Pappas, 1618 Bruce Avenue, made the following comments: additional information is needed on the cost and impact of adding the bike lanes and providing alternative parking; people will not abandon their cars as a result of the bike lanes; vehicle trips will not be reduced as a resuk of the bike lanes and increasing public transportation would be more effective; West Main Street is already accessible to bikes; and shared sidewalks would likely pose an insurance risk. Ms. Pappas asked that Council reject the idea of the bike lanes at this time. Mr. John Spears, 2519 Hydraulic Road, a member of First Baptist Church, noted that the church remains unanimous in its opposition to removing the already limited parking on West. Main Street. Mr. Spears asked that Council implement plans for additional parking and reject the bike lanes. A number of people in the audience stood in support of Mr. Spears' comments. Mr. John Carden, co-owner of Carden-Gibson Salon and co-chair of the West Main Merchants Association, said that an additional 300 names have been added to the petition opposing removing parking. Mr. Carden said he feels alternative #8 is the most viable option. Mr. Carden expressed concern that the bike lanes will be used for commuting, not shopping on West Main Street. Mr. Carden asked Council to launch an economic impact analysis and take a census of actual bike traffic before taking action. Mr. Larry Rawley, 1305 Wertland Street, a University of Virginia student and member of First Baptist Church, said that while he supports biking, he appealed to Council to be true to the businesses on West Main Street.