2000-04-10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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52 challenges facing the region: how we can learn from others; light rail in the future; how can we capture choice market with transit; greenways; and the possibility of forming a regional transportation commission. Mr. Lindsay Dorder, member of the Board of Supervisors, asked how we can change the culture of the community to use alternative modes of transportation, and which comes first, the system or the change in attitudes. Mr. Charles Martin, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, said he feels incentives need to be offered, such as HOV lanes and offering parking spaces only for vehicles that have two or more riders. Ms. Thomas said that incentives are currently available to employers and she thinks that enough density is needed for buses to go into neighborhoods. Ms. Thomas said service also needs to be efficient and inexpensive in order to work. Mr. Toscano asked how you can go about increasing density and how you can bring neighborhoods along to support the higher density. Mr. Martin said he thinks you increase density by making neighborhoods attractive by adding amenities. Mr. Toscano said that the transition zone is one vehicle that can be used in the City, and if it works in its current location in Fifeville Council may look to apply it in other areas. Ms. Richards said she envisions the corridor study providing information about opportunities for other transition zones and transit districts. Mr. David Bowerman, member of the Board of Supervisors, said that we have to be open to changing environments and take advantage of new technology and opportunities. Mr. Walter Perkins, member of the Board of Supervisors, said major employers need to offer incentives, especially the University of Virginia, and high school students need to get back into the habit of riding school buses rather than driving to school. Ms. Tina Sherman of the University of Virginia, said that the University is looking for incentives and will offer a commuter option benefit next year. Responding to a question from Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Charlotte Humphris, member of the Board of Supervisors, said that the water study of the proposed Route 29 Bypass is due in the summer. Mr. Toscano asked if rail has been discussed as an alternative to increased trucks on Route 29. Ms. Thomas said that unless we get more freight on rails we will see more and more trucks. Mr. Dottier said that one issue the City and Coumy rely want to consider working on is road access in and out of 5th Street, and asked if there is a regional vision for that area. · Ms. Richards said there is no vision for that area, but believes there should be more joint planning, beginning with boundary areas. Ms. Daugherty noted that the Directors of the City and County Planning Departments have been meeting together. Mr. Martin opened the meeting up for public comment.