1993-11-01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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148 available in the capital fund to two-way Water Street. Ms. Daugherty questioned whether the issue of loading zones was discussed by the Planning Commission and Mr. Huja replied that the Commission felt that adequate loading zones were included in the plans for two-waying Water Street. The motion to proceed with making Water Street two-way and to further study the bus stop locations, bicycle route and potential closure of South Street was unanimously approved by Council. Mr. Toscano stated that he hoped South Street could remain open. Mr. Huja stated that the Planning Commission did not recommend allowing vehicular crossing of the downtown mall. Ms. Slaughter stated that while she supported providing vehicular crossing of the mall, she understood that there was considerable opposition to doing so and felt that it would be preferable do make traffic changes incrementally. Ms. Slaughter stated that she hoped vehicular crossings would continue to be thought about and considered in the future. Council agreed that consideration of holding a public hearing on two-waying Market Street should be delayed until other traffic changes are completed. Mr. Huja stated that the Planning Commission recommended the following: 1) that University Avenue and Ivy Road from the west corporate limits to the Ridge Street intersection with West Main Street be renamed to a unified name (options included University Avenue, Main Street, and Martin Luther King Drive); 2) that Water Street from Ridge Street to its east terminus remain as Water Street in order to honor its historic use; and 3) that West Main Street and East Main Street forming the Downtown Mall from Ridge Street to its east terminus be renamed "the Mall" and property address numbers be reallocated to avoid any "east-west" distinction." Ms. Daugherty stated that she agreed that Water Street's name should be preserved and felt that Main Street should be retained for the downtown mall. It was the consensus of Council that the name Water Street should be maintained. It was agreed that the issue of renaming West Main and University Avenue be deferred until next fall in order to allow input from affected persons in an organized way and in order to provide information on the cost to the City of such a change. REPORT: DRAINAGE PROJECTS Mr. Huja presented the projects proposed for city-wide drainage projects, noting that projects had been ranked based on the previously approved matrix. Ms. Daugherty made a motion to approve the city-wide drainage projects as presented, moving up Tonsler Park on the priority list, to coincide with renovations planned at the Park. Rev. Edwards seconded the motion. Ms. Slaughter stated that she did not have a clear idea of the city's liability for drainage projects and felt that it was very confusing to understand how the program works and to explain it to citizens. Mr. Gouldman stated that the city's legal liability in drainage situations basically reflects state law.