1997-10-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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84 Ms. Nancy Damon, Chair of the Planning Comrnission, said that k is very important for the City to continue to be involved with the design of the road, especially the landscaping. Ms. Damon noted that the Task Force, made up of neighbors and business people, unanimously supported the recomanendations, and ultimately felt that the neighborhood wanted something done while keeping the residential character of the street. Mr. Cox noted that there is a letter from a citizen supporting a two-lane road, and said that perhaps a two-lane road would be better than three lanes, Mr. Cox said that no quality neighborhood has a three-lane road, and he feels that by endorsing the recommendations the Council is giving up Fontaine as a residential neighborhood. Ms. Damon said that she feels the design of the road addresses the issue of the residential character. Ms. Damon noted that the street is an arterial entrance corridor to the City. _Mr_ Cox asked if there is any way to require the park and ride recommendations if the proposal is adopted. Mr. Clyde Gouldman, City Attorney, said he would be surprised if the City would be allowed to force such a regulation on a third party. Ms. Richards, Chair of the Fontaine _Avenue Task Force, said that the top priority of the Task Force was to protect property adjacem to the road by keeping the widening to a minimum and enhancing the residential and mix-used road. Ms. Richards said that the road cannot be designated as strictly a neighborhood street. Ms. Richards said she thinks the residential character of the road will increase due to the addition of sidewalks, lights, landscaping, crosswalks, bike lanes, and lowering of speed. Ms. Richards noted that most accidents have been as a result of left tums. Ms. Richards said that the process represents the kind of public process that the City has been trying to promote. Mr. Cox asked ifa two-lane proposal with a divided green median was discussed. Ms. Richards said that was discussed, but was not felt to be appropriate for this road as it would take too much land, more than was required with the three-lane proposal. Ms. Daugherty said that after having studied the group process, she feels the proposal is a move in the right direction, and she hopes Council will approve the plan. Ms. Daugherty said she thinks the road will be much more attractive and will enhance the neighborhood. Mr. Cox said that he applauds the citizens, but is unconvinced that it will enhance the neighborhood in the future, and he will vote against the proposal. Ms. Richards made a motion to accept the recommendations. Mr. Toscano seconded the motion. Mr. Toscano said that he shares some qualms about the road, but it has been in the Comprehensive Plan for many years, and the citizens have come forward with a process after having balanced the options, and he feels the process should be trusted. Ms. Richards said that issues of safety and efficiency are involved as well. Mr. Cox said he thinks there will be an increased level of traffic and the proposal will undermine the stability of the neighborhood. Mr. Toscano called for the question. The Fontaine Avenue road proposal, as recommended by the Task Force and Planning Commission, was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards, ..Mr. Toscano. Noes: Mr. Cox. Absent: Ms. Slaughter.