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27 <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Cox, Ms. Slaughter said that a small grant has <br />been awarded to provide staff to help with the Lewis and Clark Festival and to move the <br />project along. The Committee is seeking to raise funds for a staff director. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Mr. Huja said that twelve potential <br />sites were looked at as part of the feasibility study, and two general areas are being <br />considered by the Committee: do~amtown and in a park setting. <br /> <br />Mr. Cox said he would like more information on the twelve sites. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she agrees that the region should be defined more broadly in <br />the principles. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said that he would hope to have national as well as international <br />tourists and suggested referring to throughout the United States. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he feels the last principle is the clincher, but it is not very well <br />defined what "assist" means. Mr. Lynch said he thinks that any monetary contribution by <br />the City would be contingent on development ora business plan and assurance of a <br />reasonable return. Mr. Lynch said he would like more information on what revenues the <br />City may expect. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said that the preliminary study done by the Darden School contains <br />some of the information Mr. Lynch requested. <br /> <br /> Ms. Slaughter said that the last principle refers to City assistance in working with <br />private developers, not a monetary contribution. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Toscano, seconded by Mr. Lynch, the following principles, as <br />amended, were approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Co~ Mr. <br />Lynch, Iris. Richards, Mr. Toscano. Noes: None. Guiding principles: 1) It should be a <br />Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center of national caliber; 2) It should be so located as to <br />attract additional visitors to the Downtown area; 3) It should have positive economic <br />impact on the community in general and City specifically-; 4) It should have attract <br />tourists from within and from outside of the State; 5) It should build on the historic <br />character and assets of the community; 6) It should be convenient to the existing <br />transportation corridors, accessible to transit services and provide accessibility to public <br />parking and parking for tour buses; 7) It should be an architectural landmark of high <br />quality; 8) It should be an interactivity center for activities for adults as well as children; <br />9) It should utilize appropriate technology to enhance the learning about the Lewis and <br />Clark experience; 10) It should be a resource to enhance public education; 11) It should <br />be funded primarily through private and non-profit sources; and 12) To whatever extent <br />possible, the City should assist in the site acquisition for the Lewis and Clark Exploratory <br />Center. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said that the $20,000 grant from the Park Services will be used for <br />the Festival and to develop the Center further. Ms. Richard said that Long Beach, <br />California, Charlottesville's sister city, will be sending a delegation to Charlottesville in <br />the fall. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Cox, Ms. Slaughter said that the Committee <br />has been collaborating with the University of Virginia. <br /> <br />RESOLUTION: AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO SIGN TAX CREDIT <br />APPLICATION FOR GARRETT SQUARE RENOVATION PROJECT <br /> <br /> Mr. Huja said that the City has received a request from Piedmont Housing <br />Alliance for the City Manager to sign letters in support of tax credits for the Garrett <br />Square renovation project. If authorized by Council, this will get the applicant additional <br />points in their application process with VHDA. The City has had concerns over the years <br />with the quality ofmanagernent and housing at Garrett Square, and it is staffs feeling that <br />having a local influence will improve the Situation. Partners in the project are Piedmont <br /> <br /> <br />