2001-01-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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28O Mr. Lynch asked if it would be possible to proceed with the bike lanes along the entire length during Phase I, and Ms. Hughes said bike lanes could be installed temporarily, but without bus pull-offs, traffic snarls could result. Ms. Richards asked how much of the project involves enhancements to the University versus road improvements, and Ms. Hughes said only one ortwo sets of steps remain, and other University enhancements, such as lighting and landscaping, were removed and will be taken care of by the University in the future. Mr. Cox asked why street trees are not recommended, and Ms. Hughes said that the landscaping is very conceptual, but noted that the width of the street does not allow for typical street trees. Mr. Cox said he would like to know more of what is in the scaled down project. Ms. Richards asked if there is an agreement for the University to jointly fimd the entire project, and Ms. Thomas said she assumes the City will enter into a separate agreement with the University regarding sharing half of the matching funds. Mr. O'Connell said that only Phase I will be committed to if the resolution is approved. Mr. Cox said he thinks a project like this can use urban funds in the future. Mr. Lynch recommended that the life of the rail bridge be explored, noting that its condition could indicate that it may need to be replaced soon. Ms. Hughes said that has not been looked at, but is possible. Ms. Tarpley Vest, Planner in Neighborhood Services, described the 5th Street project, Phase III of Court Square Enhancements. Ms. Vest said that bike and pedestrian gateway funds were not received in Phase II and they are being applied for now. The project will involve streetscape improvements from Jefferson Street to Water Street in three phases, at a budget of $970,272, which includes the local match. Mr. Lynch asked how much of the project costs are for undergrounding, and Ms. Vest said that 80% of the cost was for undergrounding for all the Phases combined. Mr. Lynch asked that he be sent a detailed budget for the project. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Lisa Murphy, representing the Downtown Property Owners Council, reiterated the Council's support for the Court Enhancement project. Ms. Murphy said she is concerned that the other grant will be in competition with this One, and suggested that Council prioritize the projects, making the Court Square project first priority. Ms. Joan Fenton, Chair of the Downtown Business Association, and a member of the Court Square Enhancement Committee, supported the Court Square project as an asset to the entire community. Ms. Fenton said it is important to complete this project. Mr. Oliver Kuttner, property owner downtown, said that the Court Square project will significantly boost the City's tax base, and the cost benefit is much greater for this project. Mr. Mark Beliles, Chaknnan of the Historic Resources Task Force, said he agrees with prioritizing the two projects in order to complete the Court Square project. Ms. April Trainum, 2420-B Sunset Road, a Charlottesville High School student, said that the projects cost a lot of money which coUld go for other things such as feeding the homeless. Ms. Trainum said that conditions on.Jefferson Park Avenue are not that bad.