1994-07-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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15 Mr. Timothy Snider, a member of the Board of the North Downtown Residents Association, emphasized the importance of Council following the process for making such a change and of considering the long-term consequences of such a change. Mr. David Larum, 803-3 Rugby Road, opposed vehicular crossing and stated that the mall is a little poor and funky and he likes it that way. Mr. Larum stated that he felt there is too much dependent on vehicles. Mr. Richard Jones, Senior Vice President of Management Services, representing owners of the Commerce Building downtown, stated that the Commerce building owners depend upon the economic health of downtown, adding that the owners have been struggling lately and favor allowing vehicular crossing. Mr. James McGuiness, 617 Rock Creek Road, expressed concern that the outdoor cafes on the mall would be adversely affected by vehicular crossing and questioned whether a multi- plex theater is the kind of development the city would like to attract to the mall. Mr. Tom McCrystai, 822 Blenheim Avenue, expressed strong opposition to vehicular crossing and stated that if the proposed theater development is profitable the development will be done without the vehicular crossing. Mr. McCrystal stated that improved signage is needed and the traffic pattern around the mall should be reversed. Mr. McC .rystai stated that he felt maintaining the character of the mail is important. Mr. Don McGuinness, 316 Kent Road, stated that he would prefer to support the Paramount Theater than build a new theater complex and suggested thought be given to providing a vehicular overpass of the mall. Ms. Betty Siegner, 201 Sunset Avenue, stated that she felt it is the responsibility of Councilors as leaders to provide for public safety and economic development and stated that she feels the City is in trouble financially and needs more private dollars. Ms. Siegner stated that she feels the mall is in a precarious position and supported vehicular crossing as a way to boost the economy of the city. Mr. Larry Engle, owner of Central Virginia Coin and Jewelry Exchange on the mail, stated that while he supports the development of the proposed multi-plex theater and skating rank as long as it fits in with the mall, he thought more businesses would be lost than gained by allowing vehicular crossing of the mall. Mr. Engle stated that he thought Council should wait and see the impact of two-waying Water Street and should look at the entire mall to see if2nd Street West is the appropriate place to allow vehicles to cross ifa decision is made to allow it. Mr. Engle raised questions about the types of vehicles that might be ailowed to cross and the speed limit. Ms. Judith Kahn, 2325 Highland Avenue, stated that she thought that allowing vehicular crossing of the mall would violate the integrity of the mall and would mean the loss of Vinegar Hill and Jefferson Theaters Mr. Ben Bates, 106 Cameron Lane, stated that he was speaking in favor of the mall, but against the vehicular crossing. Mr. Bates stated that he saw the vaiue of the proposed development, but thought allowing the crossing would cut off the west end of the mai[ Mr. Bates recommended that the City instead pursue bricking of the side streets to the mall. Mr. John Joseph van Haelewyhn, 311 E. Market St. #6, opposed the vehicular crossing and stated that he did not understand the need for the proposed theater. Mr. van Haelewyhn added that if the theater is built they could use Water Street for their ticket office. Ms. Beth Kariel, 109 Vincennes, stated that she is an advocate for children on the mall and felt there are other ways to deal with the economic status of the mall other than opening it up to vehicular traffic. Ms. Kariel reCommended that Council pursue reverting to town status.