1998-10-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

284 of Virginia and the community. Mr. Martin said that the Committee is considering sociological as well as economic development factors. Mr. Martin said that the technology campus, proposed to be located adjacent to Union Station, is envisioned to be mixed use. Mr. Martin said that the University is willing to commit to housing medical residents on the site, and 60,000 square feet of space has been committed to by businesses who want to locate there. Mr. Martin said that the project will create education and employee growth opportunities. Possible incentives for businesses to locate on the site could include: job training (cost sharing) through the Job Training Partnership Act; tax credits (based on number of jobs created; personal property tax; inventory tax); credit for employees working in public schools. Mr. Cox questioned whether new employees would be brought in, whether they would likely live in the City or County, and what is the existing work force diversity in technology businesses. Mr. Martin said that the employees in his businesses reflect the diversity of the community. Responding to a question from Ms. Richards, Mr. Martin said that some of the incentives he listed are in place in localities in Virginia. In discussing the technology "campus," Councilors said that the University's commitment should be encouraged through CIT, PACC, and Virginia Gateway; the process should be predictable; Council's visions and plans should be communicated via the Public Information Officer, the Economic Development Director, and by individual Councilors; Council should send a signal that the technology zone is for the community; workforce development should include: Piedmont Virginia Community College; Thomas Jefferson Economic Development Partnership, City Schools and U. Va.; and transportation impacts of the technology zone need to be addressed. Council's role (in all issues) to include: receiving information, providing input, direct involvement, Council point person(s). Mr. Cox said he is interested in the technology companies having access to the African-American community and is willing to help facilitate this effort. Mr. Cox said he is also interested in design issues. Ms. Richards said she would like a role in the workforce development piece of the technology zone, and would like to see the surrounding neighborhood take a part in this effort. Mr. Caravati said that heis interested in the project itself and the synergies that will be coming to it, and expressed concern about the possible gentdfi~ation,~,...:of Fifeville..~ Ms. Daugherty said that she sees her role as helping to coordinate, and communicating to the greater community. '~ ~ ~ Regarding Phase I of the Union Station project, Councilors agreed to the following process: Council would be briefed in eX~tive session during regular Council meetings; City specs about what goes below the podium would be brought back ..tO Council; the negotiating team will come to closure on Phase I; the proposal will be formally approved by Council; a work session on guidelines will be held in the next 30 days. R was recommended that the same approach be used for other future economic development projects. Council returned to their workplan discussions held earlier in the'meeting. PACC Impact of student population growth on neighborhoods (housing/transportation/ displacement); explore benefits of U. Va. spinoff businesses on those in low wage earning jobs; revisit service agreements between the City and U. Va; partnership with U~ Va. to make improvements in neighborhoods. In addition, a need was expressed to increase opportunities for discussions with/create different forums for discussions with U.