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284 <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix stated that staff would bring back a <br />recommendation for a process, timetable and task force <br />membership. <br /> <br />CSX Property- <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix stated that a staff committee has requested <br />proposals for extension of the mall and has recommended that <br />a Council member sit on the committee. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell stated that the committee will be <br />interviewing architects and will be soliciting their thoughts <br />on design concepts for a tunnel or underpass, mall extension <br />and amphitheatre. <br /> <br /> Ms.. Slaughter stated that she was not married to the <br />idea of the tunnel and questioned whether it would be <br />possible to change the orientation or to consider broader <br />possibilities. <br /> <br /> Ms. Waters noted that a requirement of the Michie <br />Company was that there be major access under 9th Street <br />and a crossover was not acceptible. Ms.~ Waters stated that <br />she would like to serve on the committee. <br /> <br />ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> <br />Corner <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell explained that misinformation had been <br />circulated among Corner merchants regarding planned <br />improvements to the Corner, and noted that funding continues <br />to be available for the project. <br /> <br /> It was suggested that staff communicate formally with <br />the University of Virginia regarding the planned improvements <br />to the Corner as well as Corner merchants. <br /> <br />Economic Development Commission <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter stated that she was interested in <br />the Charlottesville Industrial Development Authority more <br />formally becOme an economic development commission and <br />recommended that a charge be developed and that the CIDA <br />advise the Council on economic development issues in the City <br />and have regular communication with the Council. <br /> <br /> It was agreed that Mr. Toscano would work with members <br />of the CIDA to develop a long-term charge and process for <br />economic development planning and for ongoing communication <br />with City Council. <br /> <br />Downtown <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano asked about the status of funding for <br />the Charlottesville Downtown Foundation and the status of <br />"Fridays After Five." <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell stated that the City is in the second year <br />of providing ~matching funds for CDF; the membership in CDF <br />continues to be less than desired; and a major issue for CDF <br />is longer term funding (which includes consideration of a <br />special tax district). Mr. O~Connell stated that a review <br />committee has begun meeting to discuss "Fridays," including <br />its importance to downtown; a possible change of location; <br />frequency; and music options. Mr. O'Connell stated that while <br />some merchants oppose "Fridays," the majority appear to <br />support it. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter and Mr. Toscano put in a strong plea for a <br />variety of music to include such things as~jazz. <br /> <br />Ms. Slaughter stated that the Parks Committee was <br /> <br /> <br />