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201 <br /> <br />set aside $75,000 for seed money for housing for the blind <br />and handicapped, the final proposal being subject to Council <br />approval prior to authorizing the use of the funds. Mr. <br />Hendrix stated that the Independence Resource Center has <br />submitted a proposal. <br /> <br /> Mr. Herman Key from the Independence Resource Center, <br />stated that the IRC proposes to purchase vacant property on <br />the corner of Bainbridge Street and Carlton Avenue, less <br />than one block from Industries for the Blind, and construct <br />a six to seven apartment building which will be handicapped <br />accessible. Mr. Key stated that the project will be <br />professionally managed by the Independence Resource Center <br />and will remain on the tax roll. Mr. Key stated that the <br />CDBG funds will be used to purchase the property and <br />application will be made to VHDA to finance the construction <br />of the building. <br /> <br /> Mr. Towe questioned whether the possible closing of the <br />broom division of the Industries for the Blind would have <br />any affect on the project and Mr. Key replied that the <br />apartment would accommodate a wide range of handicaps and <br />therefore would not be affected. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix stated that because a definite financing <br />plan does not exist at this time for the proposed project, <br />it was staff's recommendation that $45,000 of the CDBG funds <br />be allocated to the project at this time which will be <br />sufficient to purchase the property and for necessary <br />architectural fees, and the remaining $30,000 be allocated <br />for the project once the remaining financing is definite. <br />Mr. Hendrix also recommended that if the project is not <br />built within twelve months then the property will be deeded <br />to the City. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Rev. Edwards, Mr. Key <br />stated that the Independence Resource Center was in <br />agreement with the conditions recommended by Mr. Hendrix. <br /> <br /> On motion by Rev. Edwards, seconded by Mr. Towe, the <br />proposal use of CDBG funds for the housing for the blind and <br />handicapped was approved by the following vote, with the <br />conditions as outlined by Mr. Hendrix. Ayes: Rev. Edwards, <br />Mr. Towe, Ms. Waters. Noes: None. Abstaining: Mr. <br />Vandever. Absent: Mr. Buck° <br /> <br />RESOLUTION: APPROVING CHARGE FOR RIDGE STREET BRIDGE DESIGN COMMITTEE <br /> <br /> Rev. Edwards stated that he would abstain from this <br />matter due to a conflict of interest. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix stated that it was recommended that the <br />following charge for the Ridge Street Bridge Design <br />Committee be approved by Council: Determine if a new bridge <br />on Ridge Street over the CSX railroad tracks can be designed <br />which will: 1) be an improvement over previous designs; <br />2) minimize the adverse impact on the adjacent historic <br />properties; 3) not substantially compromise the access to and <br />the appearance of these historic structures; 4) not <br />materially increase the street grades in front of these <br />historic properties; 5) provide an attractive entranceway to <br />the neighborhood and downtown; 6) exceed the minimum <br />standards for both vehicular and pedestrian safety; and <br />7) be financially feasible. If ~such a bridge can be <br />designed, then what would it look like and how would we go <br />about building it. <br /> <br /> Mr. Henry Kinnier, Chairman of the Ridge Street Bridge <br />Design Committee stated that the charge recommended by Mr. <br />Hendrix incorporates what the Committee had suggested. Mr. <br />Kinnier stated that the Committee is attempting to learn <br />from the Department of Transportation and the railroad what <br />the justification is for increasing the horizontal and <br /> <br /> <br />