1999-06-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

153 Ms. Aurora Nichols, Crestmont Avenue, opposed the Parkway, and asked that Council leave pristine land for the youth. Ms. MaD' Dickens, 605 East Rio Road, said that 22,000 vehicles a day use Rio Road and Park Street and when the current construction is completed it will increase by 2,000 to 3,000 a day. Ms. Dickens said there is no logical reason after 30 years of pla .nning not to build the road. Ms. Dickens noted that 75 additional acres of land have been added to the original park. Ms. Dickens said the Parkway will reduce traffic in neighborhoods and provide better access to downtown. Ms. Dickens asked Council not to stall the project. Mr. John Potter, t208 Bland Circle, said that the Parkway is a quick fix and only a temporary solution to the problem. Mr. Potter suggested that Park Street be closed to all traffic except emergency -vehicles. Mr. Potter asked Council to encourage use of mass transit. Mr. Potter said that the proposed Parkway will damage things most special to our community. Ms. Nancy Hurretbrinck, 1020 St. Clair Avenue, asked Council not to damage the large piece of open space so near the center of the City and to develop a comprehensive system of public transportation, make improvements to Rt. 29 North, and install traffic calming measures rather than build an outmoded road. Mr. Brynne Potter, 1208 Bland Circle, opposed the Parkway, and asked Council to leave a legacy for our children and improve the pedestrian access to the park. Mr. Richard Price, 321 Parkway, said a vote for the Parkway will be divisive, and asked if the Parkway is the best solution to regional traffic problems. Mr. Price asked Council to defer the vote and vote to support a process of consensus building in the community. Mr. Robert Winstead, 1613 Oakleaf Lane, said he is concerned with the over- simplification of the issue and said the discussion should be about a vision of Charlottesville and a new model of development. Mr. Winstead urged Council to vote against the road. Mr.David Ellis, 1007 Park Street, asked Council to imagine 20,000 vehicles a day going by their house, and urged Council not to delay and to approve the road. Mr. Mark Rylander, 6007 Lexington Avenue, asked Council to stop the Parkway and said the park will be compromised for the roa& Mr. Rylan-der said the park should be considered as sacred ground and approval of the Parkway should require more than a majority vote. Mr. Rylander said that great cities have great parks. Ms. Mary. MacNeiI, 710 Ridge Street, speaking for STAMP, askedthose in the audience opposed to the road to stand, and approximately half of the audience stood in support. Ms. MacNeiI said that many things indicate the road wilt not do what people hope it will do, and instead will provide access to dense future development in the County and is about sprawl and big development. Mr. Kevin Cox, 311 Fairway Avenue, supported the Meadowcreek Parkway. Mr. Cox said the road is a late response to development that has already occurred. Mr. Cox said traffic can travel through neighborhoods or on a limited access road. Mr. Cox urged Council to reject the two lane option because it will still put a road through the park, but will not handle the traffic. Mr. Cox noted that the Parkway wilt create walking and biking trails through the park. Mr. Robert Burke, 701 E. High Street, supported building a four-lane 60 kin. Road. Mr. Burke also urged Council to provide more mass transit and to develop a master plan. Mr. Ivo Romenesko, 117 Boltingwood Road, owner of a business downtown and a member of the Chamber's legislation Action Coalition, supported a four-lane, 35 mph.