1997-09-02(II) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

64 Mr, Kenneth Jackson, 208 5th Street, S.W., speaking on behalf of the Fifeville Neighborhood Association, thanked Leon Churchill, Judith lVlueller, Mr. Shiffiett, and Anne Majeski for their help during the neighborhood's clean up day. Speaking personally, Mr. Jackson said that the public has received no information about the search for a new police chief, and expressed concern about using taxpayers~ money for the train station grant, HOO bus and Starr Hill revitalization when the Police Department is low on staff. Mr. Kevin Lynch, 609 Locust Avenue, said that the Meadowcreek Parkway would be a big mistake for the City and would hurt City land values. Mr. Lynch expressed concern that the City continues to give commuters higher priority than City residents. Mr. Lynch suggested that a north/south corridor be built west of the urban area. Ms. Nancy Hurrelbrinck, 1020 St. Clair Avenue, said that she supports Dr. Silva's suggestion to name a road after Martin Luther King, Jr. Ms. Hurrelbrinck also suggested that plaques recognizing local African Americans be placed in appropriate places throughout the City. Ms. Hurrelbrinck asked when the report on Meadowcreek Parkway prepared for Council will be released. Ms. Slaughter said that the City Council will be discussing a variety of means to address race relations issues, and explained that at least two Council Members will be involved in regional race relations issues through the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission's Thomas Jefferson Venture. Ms. Slaughter said that the Meadowcreek report has already been made available to the public. Mr. O'Connell said that he will announce the Police Chief recruitment process in the next few weeks. Mr. O'Connell noted that two additional police officers were approved in the budget, who are in the process of being hired, and five more will be hired with grant funds. REPORT: SIDEWALK PRIORITIES Mr. Satyendra Huja, Director of Community Development, reviewed the process followed for recommending sidewalk priorities, and presented the top 30 priorities. Mr. Huja added that funds are available to only complete one or two sidewalks a year. Mr. Cox questioned whether the current process is the best way to meet sidewalk needs since the need is much greater than the financial resources allocated, and asked what other communities do. Mr. Huja responded that given the resources set aside the process is probably a good as any. Mr. Huja noted that these sidewalks mainly serve community needs rather than individual needs. Mr. O'Connetl said that Charlottesville has in the past, and some comrnunities now assess property owners for sidewalks. Mr. O'Connell said he feels the only alternative is to put more money into sidewalks. Ms. Richards said that Portland, Oregon has opened a pedestrian office, using ISTEA grants to develop pedestrian plans, and many neighborhoods created property districts to help pa3' for the projects. Ms. Richards asked how the safety factor is determined for the priority matrix. Mr. Huja said the safety factor is determined by accident data and staff'judgment. Mr. Cox said he feels other ways should be explored to construct sidewalks. Ms. Slaughter said the bottom line comes down to money to build capital improvements, and the Planning Commission weighs sidewalks against other projects.