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1 36 <br /> <br />and a deterrent for other businesses to come into the area. <br />Mr Epstein suggested that money would be better spent on <br />improved signage in the downtown area~ · <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr.~ Buck regarding the <br />proposed loading zones, Mr. Epstein stated that ihe did not <br />think they would work because bUsinesses cannot control the <br />time deliveries are made. ~ <br /> <br /> Mr. Larry Engel, owner of Central Virginia Coin, stated <br />that he favored two-waying Water Street because when his <br />business was located on Water Street he encountered many <br />people who said they were lost. Mr. Engel recommended that <br />there be ample loading zones. <br /> <br /> Ms. Peppy Linden of 511 North 1st Street questioned <br />whether a safe pedestrian Crossing on Water near Lewis and <br />Clark Was addressed in the proposal <br /> <br /> Mr. Marshall stated that no traffic signal has been <br />proposed for the area and that staff would need to give this <br />further studyt <br /> <br /> Mr. Charles Francolini, owner of South Street <br />Restaurant stated that he was not pleased with the proposal <br />to close South Street because it will make his business less <br />accessible and will put additional traffic on Water Street, <br />but he could live with the change. <br /> <br /> Mr. Jay Rothenberger, owner of the Hardware Store, <br />stated that 'he' favored two-waYing Water Street since it would <br />provide a direct route into downtown and will help downtown <br />businesses. <br /> <br /> As there were no further speakers, the public hearing <br />was closed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Towe questioned how much traffic would be redirected <br />onto Water street if South Street is clOSed and whether <br />sufficient space will exiSt for vehicles t° turn around. <br /> <br /> Mr. Marshall stated that the transference of traffic <br />from South to Water Street was addressed by the traffic <br />consultant and was not seen as a problem. Mr. Marshall <br />stated that private properties would have to be used for <br />vehicle turnarounds and agreements with property owners would <br />have to be reached regarding this. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Waters, Mr. Marshall <br />agreed that South .Street could not be closed prior to <br />reaching agreements about turnaround points. <br /> <br /> Mr. Buck noted surprise with the Small number of people <br />who appeared at the public hearing and suggested that a <br />survey be conducted regarding the reaction of downtown <br />businesspeople and merchants to two-wayingWater Street. <br /> <br /> Mr. Marshall explained that a letter was sent to <br />businesses on Water Street notifying them of the public <br />hearing. <br /> <br /> Mr. Buck questioned whether an entire lane of traffic <br />which is presently parking will be lost during construction <br />of the parking garage on Water Street. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix agreed that two'waying of Water Street wOuld <br />have to be delayed Until the lane was not longer needed~for <br />construction purposes which coUld be as much as a year. <br /> <br /> Mr. Buck recommended that staff look further into the <br />adequacy of the loading zones and survey businesses to <br />determine when deliveries are made. <br /> <br /> <br />