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224 <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said that the bridge would hook up with other trails in the City, but said that <br />other locations could be explored. Mr. Huja noted that a bridge was originally proposed to <br />link Darden Towe and Pen Parks, but concern was expressed about the impact on the <br />Meadowcreek Golf Course. <br /> <br />Ms. Slaughter suggested that a smaller bridge be considered. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said that rather than having a bridge, the trail could be located on the west <br />(City) side of the river. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja noted that the City and County have already obtained easements for the east <br />side of the river. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Toscano, Mr. Huja said that the matching funds <br />required are in the City's capital improvement program. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said that before he could support the resolution he would need more data, <br />including how much the trail would cost to repair if flooded. <br /> <br />The public hearing was opened. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tom Nolan, an attorney representing Martin Media, owner of all the billboards in <br />the City, said that Martin Media is opposed to selling the billboards. Mr. Nolan said that the <br />billboards are important to local businesses and local non-profits who use the billboards at a <br />reduced or no cost. Mr. Nolan said that only 1% of all ISTEA funds have been used <br />nation-wide for removal of billboards, and none used in Virginia for this purpose. Mr. Nolan <br />said he feels there are more pressing projects than purchasing the billboards. Mr. Nolan said <br />that he feels the cost estimate to buy the billboards is extremely low, and a more realistic <br />estimate would be three to four times the annual revenue generated by the billboards Mr. <br />Nolan said that Martin Media is open to reconfiguring the existing structures or adding <br />landscaping as long as it does not jeopardize their grandfathered status. <br /> <br /> Mr. Shane Thomas, part owner of ALC Copies, a small family owned business, said <br />that the billboards have been the most affordable and successful form of advertising they have <br />used, and expressed concern about the impact on his business if they are removed. <br /> <br /> Mr. John Camille, part owner of ALC Copies, expressed concern about the impact of <br />removing the billboards on small businesses such as his. <br /> <br /> Ms. Heather Conrad, representing Dominos Pizza, said that the billboards have been <br />good for business for Dominos. <br /> <br /> Mr. Edward Jackson said that he owns the land on which the billboards on High Street <br />are located, and he would need to be compensated at a cost of at least $100,000 if the <br />billboards were bought and removed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Brian Jablonski said he thought a trail already existed on the west side of Rivanna <br />River in the location proposed for the Greenbelt extension. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter said that a trail does exist there, but the proposal is to widen and pave <br />the trail. <br /> <br /> Mr. Jabonski said that part of the trail on the west side of the river is maintained by <br />volunteers, and he recommended that this concept be continued. Mr. Jabonski said that with <br />the exception of the pedestrian bridge, he feels the extension of the trail is a good idea for <br />ISTEA funding. <br /> <br />As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. <br /> <br /> <br />