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97 <br /> <br />Mr. Gary Alter noted that alternative #12 does remove some on-street parking. <br /> <br />As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. <br /> <br />Staff informed Council that it will cost $20,000 to stripe the new lanes. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano asked if the safety concerns about removing turning lanes have been <br />discussed with the fire and police departments. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said he has not discussed the proposal to eliminate the turn lanes with the <br />police or fire departments. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell said that he appreciated he civility of the speakers. Mr. O'Connell said <br />staff is concerned about the width of the lanes and removing the turning lanes on a major <br />transportation corridor used by buses as well as emergency vehicles, especially in the future <br />when the 9th/10th Street corridor is completed. Mr. O'Connell expressed concern that traffic <br />may divert through neighborhoods if traffic becomes too congested on West Main Street. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever said that on the whole alternative #12 seems to be the best compromise, <br />but suggested that alternatives #8 and #9 also be pursued. Mr. Vandever expressed concern <br />about the proposal that would remove parking on Grady Avenue. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter said she would like to have some imput from the Planning Commission <br />on the matter. Ms. Slaughter said she would like to have them consider alternatives #8, #10, <br />#11, and #12. Ms. Slaughter said that while she favors alternative #9, she does not think it is <br />very realistic. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty said she would like more information about shared bike and parking <br />lanes. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said a first minimal step could be to implement alternative #I0 and see if <br />bikers use the route. <br /> <br /> Rew Edwards said he does not support any alternative that will damage businesses on <br />West Main Street. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter said that everyone wants the same thing ultimately and the differences <br />are in how we get to that point. Ms. Slaughter noted that off-street parking will still be <br />needed in the future on West Main. <br /> <br /> It was agreed that alternatives #8, #10, and #12 would remain as viable options and the <br />matter will be discussed on June 13th after consideration by the Planning Commission. <br /> <br />ORDINANCE: LEASE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT - HIGH STREET PARKING LOT <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said that while this is not a public hearing, he would allow public <br />comment on the proposed lease/purchase agreement. <br /> <br /> Mr. Donald Hansen, 249 E. Jefferson Street, made the following comments: the <br />neighbors were not notified of the action; a cost benefit study should be conducted; there is <br />not enough open space downtown; additional residences are needed to keep downtown vital; <br />and the Queen Charlotte residents have just had to endure construction on the Temple. <br /> <br /> Mr. Kevin Lynch said he feels it is ironic that there is not enough parking on West Main <br />Street and now Council wants to take away 60 to 84 spaces. Mr. Lynch said he feels the lot <br />is a major resource and public asset, and Council is not getting enough out of the deal to <br />justify the lease/sale. <br /> <br /> Mr. Gouldman noted that while public parking spaces will be removed, 45 parking <br />spaces will be provided on the lot for employees of McGuire Woods who now use public <br />spaces. Mr. Gouldman said that the design of the building will require Board of Architectural <br /> <br /> <br />