1999-07-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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168 Responding to a question from Ms. Richards, Mr. Huja said that Athens has a commuter rail system that provides service to Atlanta. Mr. Cox said he would be interested in Athens' structure of tax abatement. CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Caravati asked that the ordinance closing West High Street alley be removed from the consent agenda. ORI)~CE: CLOSING-WEST HIGH STREET ALLEY Mr. Mark KraV~t, neighbor adjacent to the proposed alley closing, said that he is working with the petitioner for the street closing on an agreement which would limit the number &units that could be developed if the street is closed, assure that a site plan is done for any development, and designate which trees can be ~t down, but the agreement has not yet been signed. Mn Cox said that if the property is proposed to be developed Council should Lnow about it. Mr. Ron Higgins, Acting Director of Community Development, said that the propertyowner is only planning to add onto the rear of the house a~ this time. Mr. Gouldman noted that the ordinance does not include the Planning Commission's recommendation that the alley be sold to the petitioner s'mce that has not been Council's practice on other alley closings. Itwas agreed that the ordinance would be moved on first reading and Mr. Kravit would notify staff about the status of the agreement prior to second reading of the ordinance. On motion by Mr. Toscano, seconded by Ms. Ri~ards, the ordinance closing an alley on West High Street was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. On motion by Mr. Toscano, seconded by Mr. Caravati, the following consent agenda items were approved by the followingvote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Ms. Daugherty, Ms~ Richards, Mr. Toscano. a~ ,.APPROPRI4- ..TION: $2,000- TeensGive Grant (carried over) b. APPROPRIATION: $60;000 - Advance to M~a~CAA (carried over) PUBLIC There were no matters by the public. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Cox asked if there is. any hope in the short or long-term for meaningful traffic calming to take place on Park Street, especially prior to the reopening of Rio Road. Mr. Cox said he is particularly interested in the installation of traffic lights. Mr. O'ConnelI said that Rio Road is scheduled to reopen on July 23, but consideration is being given to installing four textured crosswalks and a bulb-out design at four intersections. Mr. O'Connetl said staff is looking at ways to create breaks in the traffic, possibly with traffic lights, and within 90 days hope to have a specific plan. Mr. Cox asked if there wilt be increased enforcement by the police of the speed limit after Rio Road reopens, and Mr. O'Connelt said enforcement will be stepped up.