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STAFF REPORT: <br />PROPOSALS FOR <br />CENTRAL PLACE <br /> <br /> relating to this topic. <br /> <br /> Roger Wiley, Ci. ty Attorney, responded, stating that before the State <br /> Constitution was changed in 1971, many similar organizations did receive <br /> tax exempt status. He stated that when the Constitution was amended it <br /> provided that only special categories would be exempt and others would be <br /> voted on by the General Assembly. He further stated that a law was adopted <br /> providing for the General Assembly to consider granting tax exemption if <br /> recommended by the local- governing body. Mr. Wiley informed Council that a <br /> previous Council had granted tax exempt status to Madison~House and that <br /> last year Council had granted tax exempt status to Hearthstone House. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Gleason asked if either Workshop V or the Federation for the Blind <br /> is currently funded by the City. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix responded, indicating that Workshop V do.es receive funds <br /> indirectly from the City through the Region Ten Community Services Board. <br /> <br /> Mayor Buck stated that he agrees with Mr. File's suggestion to give <br /> <br /> the agencies a grant rather than tax exemption and invited them to appear <br /> before Council during the budget process to request an appropriation if <br /> Council does not favor their request tonight. Mr. Buck also stated that <br /> he feels it is important for Council to be aware of the amount of subsidy <br /> received by agencies. He said that once a tax exemption is granted, the matter <br /> will never come before Council again. <br /> <br /> On motion by Dr. Hall, seconded by Dr. Gunter, the resolutions to grant <br /> <br /> a tax exempt status to Workshop V, Inc. and the Blue Ridge Federation of the <br /> Blind were defeated by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Hall, Dr. Gunter. <br /> Noes: Mr. Buck, Mrs. Gleason. Absent: Mr. Conover. <br /> <br /> Because of the split vote and the absence of Mr. Conover, Mr. Buck <br />suggested that the matter be determined at the next regular meeting on <br />November 15th. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix refe'rred to a staff report submitted to Council by the <br />Charlottesville Development Group regarding the development of the Central <br />Place. He stated that initially there were two proposals for Central Place, <br />but the Great Eastern Management Company had withdrawn their proposal, leaving <br />'only the one from Le. onard and Sylvia Milgraum. <br /> <br /> Mr. Leonard Milgraum gave a summary of his proposal, showing an artist's <br />rendering of the proposed structure. He stated that it is his intent to <br />preserve the Central Place for the community and at the same time provide a <br />viable commercial venture joined with the rehabilitation of the Paramount <br />Theatre. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Gleason raised the question of the availability of public restrooms. <br />Mr. Milgraum responded, indicating that he could not make that commitment. <br /> <br /> Mr. Buck asked what commitment exists for Mr. Milgraum to rehabilitate <br /> <br />the Paramount Theatre if Council agrees to transfer the Central Place to him. <br /> <br /> Mr. Milgraum responded, stating that "'there is not a chance in a million" <br />that he would not proceed with the rehabilitation. He stated that September, <br />1984 would be the latest date that performances would be able to begin in the <br />theatre. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Gleason stated that she is excited about the anticipated progress <br /> <br />of the development of Central Place and the Paramount Theatre. <br /> <br /> A1 Garrett, Chairman of the Charlottesville Development Group, addressed <br /> <br /> <br />