Laserfiche WebLink
263 <br /> <br />Lynch suggested that since the City already puts lights on trees on the downtown mall <br />that they be extended to the cafes. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she appreciates Mr. Lynch's market argument, but noted that <br />the value of the property and success of the mall is in part due to the existence of the <br />cafes. <br /> <br />REPORT: PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE <br /> <br /> Mr. Peter Mclntosh, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, <br />reviewed the accomplishments of the Committee and staff over the past year. He said <br />work is ongoing regarding the athletic field study and the policy of allowing non-leashed <br />dogs at Riveview Park on certain days ~ be reviewed in the near future. <br /> <br />Mr. Caravati said that Council appreciates the work of the Committee. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch thanked the Committee for their work and said he applauds their <br />looking at the cost benefit analysis of programs. <br /> <br />RESOLUTION: JEFFERSON SCHOOL DEED ACCEPTANCE <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Cormell said that the resolution will formally accept the deed for Jefferson <br />School from the School Board. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Toscano, seconded by Mr. Lynch, the resolution accepting the <br />deed for Jefferson School was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. <br />Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. Noes: None. Absent: Mr. Cox. <br /> <br /> BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia <br />that this Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to sign the following document, in <br />form approved by the City Attorney: <br /> <br />Deed conveying the Jefferson School property from the <br />Charlottesville School Board to the City of Charlottesville. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati read the statement agreed upon by City Councilors regarding the <br />Jefferson School building: <br /> <br /> "Tonight we unanimously approved the acceptance of the deed to the Jefferson <br />School property. Council does not take this action lightly, for we recognize the <br />responsibility that comes with ownership of this unique property. This Council, <br />individually and collectively, understands that we are stewards not only of the building's <br />physical future, but also of its legacy and of the memories of those who were educated <br />there. <br /> <br /> The debate over the future of the school has been healthy and, at times <br />passionate. We have heard many speak eloquently of their emotional attachment to the <br />school, either because they attended Jefferson School or because of their involvement <br />with the preschool. We have also heard considerable distrust of the City as it considers <br />plans for the school property. While this distrust is undeterminable in light of the <br />schools' history and the history of Vinegar Hill, the Council has made no decision about <br />this building, beyond its general view that it shouM be preserved and enjoyed by future <br />generations, and that its future uses will be determined after an open and engaged <br />community process. This Council and this community therefore have an opportunity - an <br />opportunity to overcome this distrust by working together toward a common goal: the <br />transformation of the school from an aging and underutilized facility badly in need of <br />repair, to a site in which the entire community can take pride. Our hope is to go beyond <br />the preservation of Jefferson, to it being to a place of celebration that brings the <br />community together around the history of the African American community in <br />Charlottesville, to Vinegar Hill, and to the unique history of Jefferson School. <br /> <br /> <br />