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69 <br /> <br /> Mr. Walter Payne, a resident of Hartmans Mill Road, <br />stated that he was conCerned with water damage to the church <br />as it would be below the level of the bridge. <br /> <br /> · Mr. John Conover of West High Street, stated that as a <br />former Council member he voted in 1983 to replace the Ridge <br />Street bridge, but now was in favor of the Department of <br />Transportation conducting an environmental impact study, a <br />study for which they had received a waiver. <br /> <br /> Ms. Laureen Bennett of Lehigh Street, stated that she <br />was concerned that the replacement bridge would deface the <br />100 year old Mt. Zion Baptist Church, the oldest black church <br />in Charlottesville, that fire exits from the church would be <br />inadequate following construction, that drainage would be <br />a problem, and that trash would collect in the church's front <br />yard. <br /> <br /> Mr. Beasley responded that drop inlets would be <br />installed in the church's courtyard which would redirect <br />water onto the street system and away from the church. Mr. <br />Beasley explained that a platform would be constructed from <br />the sidewalk into the church which would be bordered by a <br />wrought iron, decorative railing. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Bennett, Mr. Buck <br />stated that the City would be responsible for the <br />condition of the sidewalk (with the exception of snow <br />removal) and railing and the church would be responsible for <br />any trash removal. <br /> <br /> Ms. Gayle Gardner, a member of Mt. Zion Church, noted <br />concern about the problems of handicaPped persons on the <br />Fellowship Hall level and about the location of gas lines, <br />and added that truck traffic should be restricted on the <br />bridge. <br /> <br /> Mr. Beastey stated that the location of the gas lines <br />had not yet been determined. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hank Allen stated that because the driveway into the <br />bus station would be raised, the buses would be on the same <br />level as the church's sanctuary. <br /> <br /> Rev. Alvin Edwards, minister of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, <br />stated that although the church might move to a new.location <br />in the future, the present church site would not be sold. <br />Rev. Edwards acknowledged that the bridge was in need of <br />replacement, but appealed to Council to seek assistance <br />from persons such as the Governor or President in replacing <br />the bridge with an attractive structure which would not <br />impact the church. <br /> <br /> Mr. Gib Akin, President of the North Downtown <br />Neighborhood Association, stated that the neighborhood was <br />concerned about preservation of the church and traffic <br />pressures. Mr. Akin requested that a second opinion be <br />provided on the cost estimate to lower the tracks and that an <br />independent study be conducted to present other options, <br />including not rebuilding the bridge. <br /> <br /> Ms. Frances Walton, representing the Historic Landmarks <br />Commission, stated that she felt the no-build option was <br />preferable and requested that aesthetic drawings be provided. <br />Ms. Walton stated that she felt the State should reconsider <br />conducting an environmental impact study. <br /> <br /> Ms. Kay McNett, a resident of North 1st Street and an <br />environmental lawyer, noted concern that an environmental <br />impact study had not been conducted and supported an <br />independent study of the alternatives for the bridge. <br /> <br /> <br />