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176 <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano asked about the thinking behind the decision to brick Park Street as <br />opposed to Jefferson Street between Park and 4t~ Street, as some of the nicest structures <br />are in that area. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said that some of the oldest buildings are on Park Street, and there are <br />limited resources. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said he is hearing that there will be no net loss in parking spaces, and <br />Mr. Huja said that there are currently 44 spaces and the same number is proposed, but <br />there could be a couple less. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said, consistent with the emphasis on tourism, he feels the area up <br />from the parking garage and the intersection of Park and High Streets could be enlivened. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox asked if the jail will be taken on as part of the next enhancement <br />priorities, and Mr. Huja said that access is provided directly from the jail on High Street. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he feels this project is a good example of leveraging funding, and <br />asked if any funds have been leveraged from Albemarle County. <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said that $240,000 has been requested of the County, but no decision <br />has been made. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox asked Ms. Richards, a member of the Court Square Enhancement <br />Committee, for her efforts in getting the project to this point. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch asked about cost estimates, and Mr. Huja said that preliminary <br />estimates show $1 million for sidewalks, crosswalks, undergrounding on two streets, <br />lighting on all four sides, and signage. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he is in favor of the undergrounding, but his priority would be to <br />make the connection to downtown via 5th Street and 4th Street. Mr. Lynch said it costs an <br />incredible amount of money to underground and asked if we could get a break from <br />Virginia Power because of the historic district. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said a top priority is to restore the historic character of Court <br />Square, and it is hard to do that with utilities visible. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch asked if consideration had been given to putting plantings on 5th Street, <br />and Mr. Huja said that the narrow street makes it hard to add landscaping, but it is hoped <br />that the idea of the existing window boxing will spread. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano said he agrees with Mr. Lynch's concern about the cost of <br />undergrounding utilities. <br /> <br /> Mr. Stodghill said that alternatives are possible concerning undergrounding, and <br />he suggested that the City meet with Virginia Power to come up with better cost figures. <br /> <br /> Mr. Toscano asked if the final design will come back to Council before a final <br />decision is made, and Mr. Huja said it can come back to Council. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati recommended that the County be asked to provide alternate parking <br />for police cars which now park on the Park Street side of Court Square. <br /> <br /> On motion by'Mr. Cox, seconded by Mr. Lynch, the concept of the Court Square <br />design was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, <br />Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. Noes: None, <br /> <br /> <br />