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162 <br /> <br />review process for the West Main Street area. <br /> <br /> Mr. Kurt Wassenaar, a partner in the renovation of the <br />Union Station, stated that 15,000 to 20,000 square feet of <br />retail space and 25 to 36 residents units are proposed for <br />the Union Station property and construction of the first <br />phase, renovation of the station, should begin in late spring <br />or early summer of 1994. <br /> <br /> Mr. Leonard Sandridge, representing the University of <br />Virginia, stated that the University is committed to working <br />with private developers to bring a residential college to the <br />West Main Street area. Mr. Sandridge explained that Piedmont <br />Virginia Community College is being included in planning for <br />the area and the University is sensitive to employment issues <br />regarding residents of adjacent neighborhoods', Mr. Sandridge <br />added that the University is working with the City to improve <br />safety in the~ area. <br /> <br /> Mr. Gary O'Conne!l, Deputy City Manager, stated that <br />initiatives have been taken to improve and preserve the <br />adjacent neighborhoods and to create jobs and capital funds <br />have been com~itted to improving the West Main Street area. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter summarized the Statement of Intent signed <br />by the University and.City, noting that it is a statement of <br />goodwill rather than a legal document. The following issues <br />are included in the Statement: process; residential college; <br />train station; economic viability; University related uses; <br />safety; parking; streetscape improvements~ neighborhood <br />linkage and impacts; housing; and transportation. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter made a motion to.adopt the Statement of <br />Intent and Ms. Daugherty seconded the motion. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards stated that the City and University need to <br />continue to work to solve problems in the area and felt that <br />development of the area could be used to bridge the gap <br />between the University and community. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty strongly endorsed the efforts along the <br />West Main Street corridor and noted that jobs will be created <br />and the tax base increased as a result. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever noted that the West Main Street area would <br />have been developed without the City's intervention, but the <br />City's involvement will better channel the development. <br /> <br /> The Statement of Intent was unanimously approved by <br />Council. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING: FY 94-95 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix explained that this is the initial public <br />hearing for Community Development Block Grant funds for FY <br />94-95 and an opportunity for Council to give guidance to the <br />Social Development Commission and CDBG Task Force on use of <br />the funds. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards' proposal for a community workshop to keep <br />adjacent neighbors informed about development of West Main <br />Street was discussed. Mr. Hendrix stated that he would <br />report back to Council on alternative ways to fund such a <br />program since no CDBG funds are available to use in the <br />current fiscal year. <br /> <br />The public hearing was opened. <br /> <br /> Mr. Michael Swift~ 302 8th Street, N.W., requested that <br />the 10th and Page Street neighborhood again be designated as <br />a priority neighborhood for both physical and social <br />programs. <br /> <br /> <br />