1996-06-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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95 Mr. Dale McGlothlin said that he is a regular biker, but said that the economic vitality of the small businesses on West Main Street is more important than the ease of bicycling. Mr. Paul Lipman of Southern Culture Restaurant, and also speaking on behalf of the Blue Ridge Brewing Company, noted that significant taxes are paid to the City by West Main Street merchants and they employ substantial numbers of people. Mr. Lipman supported alternative #8 and suggested that the City talk about adding more parking and save all the existing parking. Mr. Phil Marks, owner of Bavarian Motor Warehouse, noted that most pollution is caused by old ears. Mr. Marks said the bike lanes on West Main Street would be a path to nowhere. Mr. Marks said removing the turning lanes on West Main Street will make it impossible to get around. Ms. Sandy Snyder, 1020 St. Clair Avenue, said the issue is about transportation not recreation and many people use bikes as their primary means of transportation. Ms. Snyder said bike paths on West Main Street will provide a direct, safe and inviting path to downtown. Ms. Snyder said alternative #10 is too complex and alternative #8 is not direct. Ms. Snyder noted that bike lanes are needed in other areas as well. Mr. Bob Summer, 513 W. Main Street, said a parking garage is needed on West Main Street, the ABC Store on West Main should be moved, and the City should get rid of its big buses. Mr. Nathan Van Hooser, 708 Monticello Avenue, representing the Charlottesville Albemarle Bicycling Association, said that the preference is for demarcated, full-time bike lanes, and he supported alternative #12 as a compromise. Mr. Bill Carden, 1602 Grove Road, noted that no one is advocating the original proposal to eliminate 55 parking spaces, and asked what the cost of the decision will be in a time of scarce resources. Mr. Tyler Sewell expressed concern about the alternative that combines the sidewalk and bike lanes, and supported adding on-street parking in any areas possible. Mr. Eric Brado, 1410 Holly Road, supported bike lanes and opposed shared parking and bike lanes. Mr. Mike Crafaik said that bikes may be ridden on West Main Street without bike lanes and the businesses on West Main Street will not survive if their parking is threatened. Mr. Thomas Selly of Martin Street, said bike lanes on West Main Street will improve safety and will be well used. Ms. Alison Dickie of Lexington Avenue, encouraged Council to take time to develop a network of bike lanes. Mr. Larry Ferber of Southwood Mobile Home Estates, said that he commutes to work on a bike and favors alternatives #8 and #12. Ms. Elaine Miles, 410 Dice Street, said she lives in a neighborhood with high bike ownership and supports alternative #12. Ms. Miles said she would not support taking parking away from First Baptist Church. Mr. Kevin Lynch, 609 Locust Avenue, said that other communities such as Alexandria have had success putting bike lanes along railroad tracks and in open spaces. Mr. Lynch said he is not sure that putting bike lanes on one of the city's main business streets is the best way to go. A resident of 2000 Jefferson Park Avenue said that bikes are used for transportation, not only recreation. She supported a study of the economic impact of bike lanes on the businesses on West Main Street.