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298 <br /> <br />years, six were upheld by Council, but each time it was argued that over-ruling the BAR <br />would set a precedent. Mr. Toscano said he thinks Mr. Fenton's suggestion for a team <br />approach may be a good idea, but it would involve active participation by the BAR. Mr. <br />Toscano said he supports the project and feels that some issues need to be worked <br />through by staff. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano made a motion to approve issuance of a certificate of <br />appropriateness for the hotel project. Mr. Caravati seconded the motion. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he will not participate in dismantling of historic resources, noting <br />that the historic di strict was set up to ensure their protection and Council voted to make <br />the two houses in question to be contributing. Mr. Cox said he thinks over-ruling the <br />BAR will set a precedent. Mr. Cox said that he supports the project and the idea ora <br />hotel in that location, but he cannot have the developers dismantle a fragment of the City. <br />Mr. Cox said he will be troubled if the City is unsuccessful in protecting this block and in <br />over4urning a group of professiOnals, adding that he thinks the current BAR is the best <br />the City has ever had. Mr. Cox said he hopes the BAR will continue to be engaged and <br />that Ms. Fenton's recommendations are acted on. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano amended his motion to allow demolition of the two houses on West <br />Main Street and to direct staff to review appropriate details to bring the project to <br />conclusion, with whomever is appropriate advising them Mr. Caravati accepted Mr. <br />Toscano's amendment. <br /> <br /> The appeal of the BAR was approved, demolition of the structure at 1203 and <br />1205 West Main Street was authorized, issuance of a certificate of appropriateness for the <br />project was approved, and staff was directed to review appropriate details of the project <br />to bring it to conclusion, using whomever is appropriate to advise them, by the following <br />vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. Noes: Mr. Cox. <br /> <br /> Because of the late hour, the following items originally scheduled were deferred: <br />Computers 4 Kids presentation; Thomas Jefferson Area Community Criminal Justice <br />Board presentation; and TEA 21 (Transportation Equality Act) report. <br /> <br />PRESENTATION: RIVANNA TRAILS FOUNDATION <br /> <br /> Mr. John Conover explained that the Rivanna Trails Foundation's original goal <br />was to build walking trails around the City. Mr. Conover asked for Council's radification <br />of continuation ofthi s goal, which is included in the City's Comprehensive Plan, and for <br />continued involvement by staff. Mr. Conover said he believes these walking trails will be <br />enhancements to City and County neighborhoods. <br /> <br />Councilors indicated their support of Mr. Conover's request. <br /> <br />PRESENTATION: PTO - CHARLOTTESVILLE SCHOOLS <br /> <br /> Ms. Erin Garvey, 624 Davis Avenue, Charlottesville PTO Council Chair, <br />explained that the organization, started in January of 1997, shares information and <br />informs the community about the quality of City schools, provides access to parents, and <br />conducts public relations campaigns through publication of former Charlottesville student <br />success stories, congratulation ads, and public service announcements. Ms. Garvey <br />presented Councilors with a newly published brochures promoting City schools and <br />announced a new website. <br /> <br /> Ms. Peggy Van Yahres, Vice Chair of the PTO Council, said that more success <br />stories will be run using current students and posters of these will be circulated. Radio <br />spots will also continue. Ms. Van Yahres encouraged Council to continue to financially <br />support these efforts and to support the Public Information Office with staff support. Ms. <br />Van Yahres also encouraged Council to continue to improve neighborhoods because she <br />feels that strong neighborhoods and the appearance of neighborhoods keep schools <br />strong. <br /> <br /> <br />