2002-06-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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55 Garrett Street, and if downtown thrives all of Charlottesville thrives. Ms. Fenton said that if the district does not work it will sunset. Ms. Lisa Murphy, Box 4226, said that property will increase in value as a result of the district, and the average store will only be taxed an additional $30 a month which is equal to a small newspaper ad. Ms. Murphy said she believes the money will come back ten fold. Ms. Murphy credited Council for changing the ordinance and said she thinks it has been a very open process. Mr. Ralph Main, 703 E. Jefferson Street, an attorney owning an office building within the proposed boundary, vehemently opposed the inclusion of his property within the district. He said he sees no rational basis to include it within the district, and feels it only benefits merchants. Mr. Main said that if Council levies a tax, which he hopes they will not, everyone should participate. Ms. Alexandria Searls, 1316 Chesapeake Street, said she thinks that since a new ordinance has been prepared that Council should have two more public hearings to be fair. Ms. Searls said it probably addresses real needs, but she encouraged Council to wait until the new Councilor takes office to vote on the matter. Mr. Tyler Sewell of DPOC, said we need to think about what the downtown area can be in the future, and supported the proposal. Mr. Sewell said he welcomes more participation in DPOC. Ms. Kay Peaslee, Second Street, N.W. said she has lived downtown for 20 years and had a business downtown for ten years. She said that Fridays After Five, the City Market, and various festivals are what make downtown a special place. Ms. Peaslee said that if property values go too high small businesses with be driven out. Mr. Vestegarden, owner of an office building within the proposed district, said that the proposal is taxing many for the benefit of the few. Mr. Simon Harvey, a business owner downtown, said he likes the idea of a service district, but questions some of the reasoning behind the proposal. Mr. Harvey suggested that instead of adopting the proposal that Council make it easier to do certain things and hold off on the tax part. Mr. Harvey said that signage is a big issue, and said more input is needed on the proposal. Mr. John Dezio, owner of property at 414-416 E. Jefferson Street, said that he will not benefit fi:om the proposal. He said the downtown mall is an urban park and the expense belongs to all of us. He said it is also a business location and those who choose to be there benefit because they are in an urban park. Mr. Dezio said the boundary lines should be narrowed to only include merchants who will benefit. Mr. Dezio said the concerns of merchants are different than those with offices in the Court Square area. Mr. Larry Engle, downtown business owner, said that he thinks the district is a good idea, but he has questions about the ordinance, and is concerned that the business community has not really been involved. Mr. Engle suggested that Council step back and study it more, and said the ordinance needs to be more concrete. Mr. David Pettit said that it is hard to finance special needs within the district out of general government revenues. Mr. Pettit said others will benefit if the area is economically viable. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Caravati said that he feels more outreach is needed and there needs to be a period of study with a large public element to it. Mr. Toscano sai~ he thirds it is appropriate for Council to take time to digest what they have heard, and suggested ~that a subcommittee be formed to include at least one Councilors and representatives ~m DPOC :tg sort out the issues. Mr. Toscano suggested