2002-06-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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60 PUBLIC Ms. Genevieve Keller, 504 North 1st Street, expressed concerns about recent trends in preservation policies. She said buildings should be looked at hotistically. She said partial demolition is not a preservation strategy, and will make buildings non-contributing in historic districts and not eligible for historic tax credits. Mr. Derek Vandelinder spoke in opposition to the proposed transit center facility and said he sees no reason to close 7th Street and then open another street across the mall. He suggested that Council consider using the Greyhound Bus Station as the transfer terminal. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, said there is a difference between what we need and want, and said the bus transfer station is not needed. She opposed closing 7th Street. Ms. Hall asked if there has been a public hearing on the proposal, and if not why has there been no public hearing on this design. Ms. Hall suggested that the grant money be returned. Ms. Hall said that if the facility is built she hopes citizens will rebel if funds for its operation become a permanent tine item in the City's budget. Ms. Tobin Scipione, representing the Alliance for Community Choice in Transportation, endorsed the transfer center for the following reasons: it will serve as a catalyst to increase activity on the east end ofthe downtown mall; it was serve as a gateway to public transit through the provision of important amenities such as a comfortable waiting environmental with access to centralized transportation information; it has the potential to encourage mixed,use retail, office and residential uses; and it includes safe and convenient bicycle access and facilities. Ms. Virginia Amiss, 628 Watson Avenue, opposed the location of the transit center. She said it is prudent to preserve the last green area in front of City Hall. Ms. Amiss also opposed closing 7th Street. Ms. Joan Fenton, 105 3rd Street, S.E., Chair of the Downtown Business Association Board, said that the Board voted to support the proposal for the east end of the mall, noting that it will provide space for tour buses coming into the downtown area. Ms. Fenton urged Council to support the proposal Ms. Fenton also said that she would love for the City to use brooms on the downtown mall rather than the noisy leaf blowers that begin early in the morning. Mr. Stratton Salidas, 214 Douglas Avenue, said that the transfer station will probably do some good, but feels it is not the best wayto spend $1 mi~n. Mr. Salidas said his first priority would be to provide public transportation from Route 29 North to the University, to downtown and to Pantops. Mr. Salidas said he would also like to see Council facilitate RideShare by buying or renting lots for parking, and provide incentives for carpooliug by having HOV lanes. PUBLIC HEARING: SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTMENTS Mr. Caravati read the following list of applicants for the vacancies on the School Board: Olivia Boykin, Alvin Edwards, Michael Heard, Maduabuchi igbani, Kenneth Jackson, Christina Rees, John Santoski, and Peggy Van Yahres. The public hearing was opened. Mr. William Atwood, 708 Park Street, recommended Dr. Alvin Edwards for the School Board. He said Dr. Edwards' ministry has expanded to touch many children, and he has a great deal of experience with and love of children. Mr. Fran Lawrence, 1729 Chesapeake Street, speaking on behalf of his wife and children, urged Council to appoint Peggy Van Yahres. Mr. Lawrence said Ms. Van Yahres is a professional, a business woman, a volunteer, a community leader, a PTO Council officer, and a consummate mother. He said she has great ideas, gets the job done, and is deeply committed to the schools.