1999-03-15 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

78 COUNCIL CHAMBER- March 15, 1999 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. RECOGNITIONS/AWARDS Ms. Daugherty noted that March is Women's History month and commented on the extensive research conducted by Ms. Kay Peaslee about historical activities in the Charlottesville area. PUBLIC Mr. Brandon Smith, 311 E. Market St., expressed concern about the possibility of removing the kiosks on the downtown mall, and said he feels it is a question of free speech and first amendment rights. Ms. Jean Hiatt, 1534 Rugby Avenue, expressed regret at the imminent demolition of early 20th century houses on Dale Avenue and asked Council to consider 1) taking steps to protect the Rose Hill neighborhood; 2) documenting historical buildings that are proposed to be demolished; 3) re-examining the Comprehensive Plan to see if other streets are appropriate for neighborhood revitalization; and 4) directing staff to work closely with the owners of Citgo on the future design and lighting of a new building. Mr. Forrest Kerns, Westminster Road, and a board member of the Monticello Vista Association, updated Council on the success of Monticello Vista at 1400 Monticello Road, apartments for low income disabled and elderly persons. Mr. Kerns said the project has been successful, the impact on public schools has been minimal, and $21,000 in taxes has been paid to the City to date. Mr. Robert Winstead, 1613 Oakleaf Lane, speaking on behalf of his neighbors, said that there are serious water problems in their backyards which causes concern for property values as well as safety issues for children. Mr. Winstead said that it will not be possible to get the required consensus to participate in the neighborhood drainage program, but does not feel it should be the responsibility of property owners since it is the City's collection of water in a single source that is causing the problem~ Mr. Scott Fenesy, owner of Blue Whale Books, said that space on the downtown mall is becoming more valuable and he asked Council to keep footspace open. Mr. Fenesy expressed concern about the proposed location of Bizoffs caf6 which cannot be located in the center of the mall due to fire lanes and said the proposed location alters the foot traffic away from his store. Mr. Larry Engle, owner of Central Virginia Jewelry and Coin expressed g~dreement with Mr. FenesY's comments. Mr. Engle also said that the drop-off zones on Street are not really working and suggested that the spaces be changed to 1/2 hour parking and the loading zones changed to Monday through Friday only. Mr. Engle also suggested that the spaces around the perimeter of the mall be changed to loading zones only from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Mr. Engle said he has spoken to other merchants on the mall and they all agree that the kiosks are tacky and should be removed and that phones should be replaced elsewhere and a more attractive location found for posters. Mr. Engle noted that no square footage is contained in the Bizou caf6 permit and there is no mention of the kiosk being removed to accommodate the caf6. Mr. Larry Emmons, Manager for the Bizou, said that caf6 permit process has not been an easy one and he has been verbally assaulted bY people on opposite sides of the restaurant. Mr. Emmons said he feels he has been getting the mn-around and he has offered many alternative proposals for the caf6.