Laserfiche WebLink
157 <br /> <br />good investment in children and downtown. Mr. Akin stated <br />that the Comprehensive Plan calls for additional public space <br />and the proposal would enact that vision. <br /> <br /> Ms. Deborah Ward McKeon of 822 St. Clair Avenue and a <br />teacher in the City schools, supported the proposal to <br />relocate the Museum. <br /> <br /> Mr. Paul Farris, President of the Virginia Discovery <br />Museum Board, stated that the Museum is committed to <br />increasing its services to families, expanding the age appeal <br />of the Museum~ increasing its science exhibits, expanding its <br />colonial exhibits and increasing cooperative programs with <br />Monticello. <br /> <br /> Mr. Michael Bednar, a member of the Planning Commission <br />and Urban Design Committee, stated that the Urban Design Task <br />Force report had encouraged development of the east end of <br />the downtown mall as a cultural center. Mr. Bednar stated <br />that the proposal will be the City's first step in <br />implementing the Urban Design Plan and will encourage <br />additional cultural activities on the downtown mall. <br /> <br /> Ms. Sandy Snook, past president of the Piedmont Council <br />of the Arts, read a statement from the PCA supporting the <br />proposal as a first step in helping local arts organizations <br />and requested that the next step by the City be to help <br />provide space for other local arts groups. <br /> <br /> Mr. David Lee, a City resident, asked what the fair <br />market value of the lease to the Museum would be and what the <br />reasons were for supporting one non-profit organization in <br />the community over others. <br /> <br /> Mr. Gouldman stated that the approximate value would be <br />$30,000 to ~40,000 per year. <br /> <br /> As there were no further speakers, the public hearing <br />was closed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Buck stated that he felt the proposal to purchase <br />the property to be used by the Discovery Museum was a good <br />expenditure of the City's money and-that such investments are <br />needed if certain areas of the City are going to thrive. Mr. <br />Buck stated that he supported the proposal because the Museum <br />had proven that it meets a community need and had succeeded <br />in generating considerable interest in the co~unity. Mr. <br />Buck stated that he felt the proposal would also a good one <br />from a cultural standpoint and as an activity which would <br />drawn people downtown. <br /> <br /> Ms. Waters stated that additional, letters and phone <br />calls had been received in support of the proposal. <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards stated that he would support the proposal <br />because it was recommended by the participants in the <br />downtown charrette as an activity which would bring families <br />downtown. <br /> <br /> Mr. Towe asked whether a new director had been named for <br />the Museum and noted concern about the Museum's commitment. <br /> <br /> Mro Farris stated that the Museum Board is committed to <br />having the Museum be successful and announced that Ms. Peppy <br />Linden has been named director of the Museum. <br /> <br /> Mr. Towe questioned the urgency in approving the <br />proposal instead of delaying the matter until the budget is <br />considered. <br /> <br /> Mr. Farris explained that the timing was important <br />because of the availability of funding from the Perry ~ <br />Foundation and Albemarle County and because of the <br /> <br /> <br />