Laserfiche WebLink
64 <br /> <br />PRESENTATION: CHARLOTTESVILLE DOWNTOWN FOUNDATION <br /> <br /> Ms. Bonnie Smith, Chair of the CharlottesVille Downtown <br />Foundation Board, stated that the Foundation had been <br />formed to revitaliZe and assist with downtown development and <br />gave a progress report on the Foundation's efforts, <br />explaining that the focus of the first six months of <br />operation was on getting organized and over 140 Foundation <br />members have been recruited. <br /> <br /> Mr. Bill Atwood gave a slide presentation on activities <br />on the downtown mall. <br /> <br /> Mr. Jim Batten, Executive Director of charlottesville <br />Downtown Foundation, provided Council with a work plan and <br />noted that the downtown mall was the top retail sales <br />generator in the City in 1989. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Slaughter about the <br />Foundation's involvement with the issues of proposed zoning <br />changes and height and bulk regulations, Mr. Batten stated <br />that the Foundation has been involved and is scheduling a <br />meeting of property owners to discuss the issues. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever noted concern about the changing nature of <br />the downtown mall from retail to office and questioned what <br />steps were being taken to actively recruit retail businesses. <br /> <br /> Mr. Batten stated that he is not a professional broker, <br />but the Foundation proVides informatiOn and referral services <br />for available properties on the downtown mall. Mr. Batten <br />stated that efforts are being made to establish a base of <br />property owners. <br /> <br /> Mr. Vandever questioned whether the Foundation looked at <br />the mall in terms of the desired mix and in terms of the best <br />businesses to bring in. Mr. Batten stated that he does this <br />to some extent, but the types of businesses are generally <br />determined by the dictates of the market. <br /> <br /> Ms SlaUghter questioned what was being done to more~ <br />actively recruit retail businesses and Mr. Batten rePlied <br />that recruitment occurs through cOntacting businesses in <br />other areas, throUgh the use of national directories <br />(primarily chain stores), and through referrals. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter questioned what the Foundation's foCus <br />would be for the'~next six months and Mr. Batten replied that <br />the focus for the next quarter would be completing the <br />property owner listing, increasing the membershiP of the <br />Foundation'and improving directiOnai signS and signage on the <br />mall. <br /> <br />STAFF REPORT: POLICY ISSUES - SIDEWALK CAFE PERMITS <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix presented the following issues for council'.s <br />consideration: 1) should sidewalk cafes on the downtown mall <br />continue to be limited to one per block; 2) how should the <br />decision be made regarding permits if restrictions continue- <br />and there is competition for the'same'spot; and 3) <br />should a cafe permit be canceled if the intended use is not <br />fulfilled. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter made a motion to expand the locations <br />available on the mall for sidewalk cafes. Mr. Toscano <br />seconded the motion. Mr. Toscano stated that he felt <br />everyone should be given a fair chance to have a cafe. <br /> <br /> Ms. Terry Shotwell, operator of TerrY's Place and the <br />Nook Restaurant, noted that Health Department requirements <br />limit the distance a sidewalk cafe can be from the restaurant <br />kitchen. <br /> <br /> <br />