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45 <br /> <br />Hildebrand listed the following major constraints of the site <br />which had to be taken into consideration: rail operation; <br />grade differences; shape; and the adjoining residential <br />neighborhood. <br /> <br /> Mr. Towe raised concern about possible displacement of <br />the downtown post office. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hildebrand acknowledged that in the long run the <br />post office location may have to be changed. <br /> <br /> Mr. George Ray, Economic Development Coordinator, stated <br />that a portion of the CSX property would provide temporary <br />parking to accommodate parkers displaced while the parking <br />garage on Water Street is constructed, and a parking garage <br />on the property was proposed for the long-term. <br /> <br /> Mr. Mike Bednar, a member of the Planning Commission, <br /> endorsed the proposal that space between City Hall and the <br /> CSX property be reserved as civic space or other public use. <br /> Ms. Waters recommended that Council approve the basic <br /> street framework proposed and the concept plan for the CSX <br /> property. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards noted concern about taking action prior <br /> to a final decision from the railroad about closing the <br /> tracks. Rev. Edwards also raised questions about the <br /> appearance of the warehouses proposed for the site. <br /> <br /> Mr. Ray replied that the CSX Railroad has been <br /> attempting to close the tracks for approximately six years <br /> and that a definite decision might not be made for at least <br /> two years. Mr. Ray noted that it could cost the CIDA as much <br /> as $400,000 to hold the property for two years. Mr. Ray <br /> stated that alternate plans have been developed for the <br /> property with and without the tracks. Regarding the <br /> warehouses, Mr. Ray stated that the buildings would be first <br /> class construction and would not be visible from residential <br /> neighborhoods. <br /> <br /> Mr. Bednar stated that requirements would be attached to <br /> the sale of each parcel of land regarding the building size, <br /> construction materials, setbacks, etc. Mr. Bednar <br /> recommended that the consultant's report be streamlined. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lloyd Snook, Chairman of the Planning Commission, <br />noted concern with the following issues: the price range of <br />the proposed housing for the site; the special opportunity <br />building; and the mix of economic classes on the property.. <br /> <br /> It was agreed that a joint public hearing by the <br />Planning Commission and Council on the proposed plan for the <br />CSX property would be held in June. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Towe, seconded by Mr. Vandever, Council <br />unanimously voted to meet in executive session to discuss <br />personnel matters as exempted by Section 2.1-344(a)(1) of the <br />Virginia Freedom of Information Act. <br /> <br />~~T'~eetin-g~'~~was adj ournedCk~~~ <br />Pr~ident ~ <br /> <br /> <br />