1994-06-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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298 "We want more affordable housing in the City; these larger homes on Grove Avenue with an ability to house a home office are affordable. We want to preserve residential neighborhoods and use existing office and commercially zoned space; we want to preserve historical structures and I would urge review of these properties in the upcoming Comprehensive Plan for preservation under our preservation ordinance. "We have listened to the presentations over the past four years; we have read the documentation from both sides. We have had many advisers, but the final decision is Council's. support the idea that this block .should, over time, remain residential and that we should change the Land Use Plan to reflect that long-term goal. For the good of the City and our health as a vital residential community, I urge you to vote yes on the motion." Ms. Daugherty stated that the decision regarding the Land Use Plan for Grove Avenue has been a very hard one because it affects the financial well-being of some people, but after much thought she decided that amending the Plan is better for the whole community and the only way to give the neighborhood protection IVlr. Vandever stated that while he had been comfortable with the Land Use Plan for Grove Avenue remaining "office," he intended to reluctantly support the change to "residential" as he felt the City would have no control over the area in the short run if not changed. The ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE LAND USE PLAN OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN BY CHANGING THE DE SIGNATION OF THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 504, 505, 506, 521 AND 525 GROVE AVENUE FROM OFFICE TO RESIDENTIAL," which was offered at the June 6th meeting, was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Vandever. Absent: Rev. Edwards and Mr. Toscano. ORDINANCE: PROVDING FREE TRANSIT SERVICE FOR ADA CERTIFIED INDIVIDUALS Mr. Hendrix stated that in response to escalating cost of operating JAUNT, staff has proposing that those persons who are certified under the ADA could use regular CTS buses for free. Mr. Hendrix noted that there is evidence in other communities that offering this service has reduced pressure on the paratransit service. Mr. Vandever stated that he was delighted with the idea and thought it would result in a clear savings and, as the City moves toward more accessible buses, it w~ll encourage more people to take advantage of the City's transit services. Ms. Slaughter stated that she thought the idea would give people a choice as well as an economic incentive. On motion by Ms. Slaughter, seconded by Ms. Daugherty, the ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND REORDAINING SECTION 32-7 OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY CODE, 1990, A AMENDED, TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO USE THE TRANSIT SYSTEM WITHOUT CHARGE" was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. PUBLIC - ~ There were no matters by the public. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Hendrix thanked Council~on behalf o£City employees, for the bonuses approved by Council. - · ~ Ms. Daugherty announced a focus group entitled "Let us Contract with You" sponsored by the Office of Minority and Women's Business.