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296 income for the City. Mr. Johns said he thinks the location is ideal for alumni and tourists, and is an attractive and upscale project. Mr. Johns said that the need is clearly there, and it will have a positive economic impact on the City. Mr. Jim Morris, owner of two properties in the West Main Street design control district, said that the process that the developers have had to go through scares him. Mr. Moms said that he could not afford to spend the money that they have been required to, and then be turned down. Mr. Morris said that he has been involved in changing the ownership of the townhouses adjacent to the property to ensure their maintenance in the future, but said that the houses proposed to be demolished are in bad condition and have no utility. Mr. Oliver Kuttner, said that this is a good opportunity for the City to go into the future. Mr. Kuttner said that the City is dense, and West Main Street needs a critical mass to grow. Mr. Kuttner said that the opportunity exists to build a great building instead of trying to preserve the houses in bad condition which will not be around in 50 years. Mr. Kuttner suggested that the BAR be plugged back into the process. Mr. Kuttner said that there are no other sites on West Main Street for the project, and if the project does not happen now, changes are it will not happen for a long-time. Mr. Kuttner said that one problem with the BAR is the time it takes to go through the process, which is not acceptable for big projects. Mr. Kuttner suggested that the BAR get involved in developments right away and be involved on a weekly, not monthly basis. Mr. Kuttner said he does not think Council would set a precedent by over-ruling the BAR. Mr. Robert Dimberg said that he thinks Council should table the appeal and reconsider it in a month. Mr. Dimberg said that mass transit is needed in the area and wheelchairs need to be accommodated. Ms. Janet Pappas, Bruce Avenue, said that her family owns property in the area. Ms. Pappas noted that a petition supported the project was signed by 80% to 90% of businesses on West Main Street. Ms. Pappas said that she thinks the proposal is a good project and a good start on West Main Street. Mr. John Krantz, tenant of one of the houses proposed to be demolished, and owner of a business on West Main Street, said that the two houses proposed for demolition are in disrepair, with bricks failing down. Mr. Krantz said that business has not been very good in that area, and he thinks the hotel's existence will enhance business. Mr. Krantz said he thinks the location is appropriate for the hotel. Mr. Bob Mincer, ovm~er of a business on the Corner, said that he thinks the project will be good for the Corner, for the U. Va. hospital, and for tourists. Mr. Robert Thorp, 119 Walker Lane, a U. Va. graduate, said that economic development is important for a growing city, but he came back to the community for its charm and architecture. Mr. Thorp said he feels that the hotels' design is a major problem. Mr. Thorp said he feels for business owners on West Main Street, and knows that it is tough, but they should look at the long-term. Mr, Thorp said that people return to live in Charlottesville to find a home, not to have big salaries. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati about Marriott's employment practices, Mr. Stiffier explained that there will be a franchise affiliation with Marriott Hotel. Mr. Stiffier said that Marriott is committed to training, diversity and providing benefits and has been recognized as one of the top 100 companies in the country for working mothers and as an organization for which to work, and one of the top companies for Asians, blacks, and women to work in. Mr. Stiffler said that 35 full-time jobs will be created, with the top earning approximately $50,000 and starting, lowest level employees earning minimum wage. Mr. Stiffier stressed that in-housing training is provided for advancement within the organization. Responding to a question from Mr. Cox, Mr. Stiffier said that employees working 20 hours or more per week are treated as full-time employees for receipt of benefits.