1998-07-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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245 relationship between land use issues and transportation or understand the difference between urban roads and suburban roads. Mr. Cox said that every day he analyzed issues because he teaches and that experience is critical to the composition of the MPO. Mr. Cox said that he is disturbed that a primary issue is representing Council's view, and noted that he is not even aware of what Council's view is on the Meadowcreek Parkway. Mr. Cox said that the community is very divided on the issue of the Meadowcreek Parkway and he does not think that the MPO needs two Councilors who move in lockstep, ignoring thousands of citizens who have raised reservations about whether this is the best transportation plan. Mr. Cox said that if he has to pledge some allegiance, he assured Council that it is with the citizens of the City of Charlottesville. Mr. Caravati said that he wants to be on the MPO and thinks that he has the experience to contribute to the group. Mr. Caravati noted that part of his election campaign centered on new ways to look at transportation issues. Mr. Caravati said that he does not feel that the MPO has had a direct link to the overall wishes of Council. Mr. Caravati said that race does not enter into the issue and he was taken aback by any intonation of that and especially by Mr. Harris' letter, Mr. Caravati said that wants to do the best he can for Charlottesville while he is on Council and feels it is important for Council to be a functional group. Therefore, Mr. Caravati said he will support Mr. Cox for the MPO. Mr. Toscano withdre~v his motion to nominate Ms. Richards and Mr. Caravati to the MPO and, for the sake of the group, made a motion to nominate Ms. Richards and Mr. Cox to the MPO. Mr. Caravati seconded the motion and Ms. Richards and Mr. Cox were unanimously appointed to the Metropolitan Planning Organization. PUBLIC Ms. Hazel Marshall expressed opposition to Mr. Cox's appointment to the MPO as his plan is to have bike lanes all over Charlottesville. Ms. Marshall said she does not feel main streets should be turned over to bike lanes. Rev. Witli am Johnson said that he was not supporting Mr. Cox for the MPO because he is black, but because he is the most qualified. Mr. Nathan Van Hooser said that he respects Mr, Caravati for his actions. Ms. Kathy Icenhour, 500 1~t Street, said that she appreciated hearing Council discuss the qualifications for the MPO and feels it is good that Council listens to the public,. Mr. Scott LeBeau expressed concern about the proposed speed humps on Locust Avenue, disagreed with the procedure used to obtain neighborhood support. Mr. LeBeau said that there will be increased noise as a result of cars passing over the humps. Mr. LeBeau said he surveyed the neighborhood about the humps and reservations were expressed by all residents except by Kevin Lynch. Mr. LeBeau said that all surveyed prefer or want speed enforcement. Mr. LeBeau asked that the City delayed installing the speed humps. Mr. LeBeau provided Council with material on enforcement proposals. Mr. Kevin Lynch said that he is impressed with all of Council tonight and with the positions that were articulated regarding appointments to the MPO. Mr. Lynch agreed with Mr. LeBeau that the Locust Avenue neighborhood needs to spend more time talking about traffic calming and said he feels that Mr. LeBeau brought up legitimate points~ Mr. Lynch said he feels that stamped asphalt may be quieter. Mr. Lynch supported extending the deadline for a decision on the speed humps and said that he would support more enforcement if it could pay for itself. Mr. O'Connell said that the City can work with the neighborhood further on the traffic calming issues. Mr, Cox said that while the speed humps are experimental, he sees them as enhancements to neighborhoods, and feels that Council will have to have the political