Minutes 02/12/1974 - Laserfiche WebLink

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February~12, 1974 attention of this applicant to facts regarding future development of the Western Freeway approaches to the Midtown Tunnel in this area and in turn was assured that Terminal offi- cials remain acutely aware of a need for ~mproved highway access. S-74-2 Petition oS Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority by Attorney Michae-l-~de to close a rem foot (10') strip of Madison Street on the south side of said Madison Street from the western right-of-way line of Sixth Street to the eastern right-of- ~way line of Seventh ~treet; in the Effingham Urban Renewal Project, VA.R-72. This action could contribute to quality of new housing in the Southside nemghborhood. S-74-3 Petition of the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority by Attorney Michae~de to close a six foot (6') strip of Sixth Street adjacent to the western right-of-way line of said Sixth Street from the southern right-of-way line of Madison Street to the northern right-of-way line of Portsmouth Boulevard; in the ~ffingham Urban Renewal Project. This action could contribute to quality of new housing in the Southside neighborhood. S-74-4 Petition of the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority by Attorney Michae-~de to close the stub of Phillips Avenue west of the west right-of-way line of Watson Street; in the Mount Hermon Urban Renewal Project, VA.R-69. This action is related to assembly of land for construction of new housing in the Mount Hermon neighbor- hood." Motion of Mr. Smith and seconded by Mr. Johnson, to be referred to the City Attorney for proper handling, was adopted by unanimous vote. 74-66 The following letter received from John~L. Ivy. Chairman, Park and Recreatior .Commission, was read: "At the regular meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission, the members were in- formed, ~hrough a report submitted by Mr. J. S. Campbell, Jr., Director of Recreation, of the transfer of the Portsmouth Senior Citizens Center from the Recreatio,n Department to the Department of Social Services~ The apparent justification for this move was to utilize "80-20" funding which is available through~the Social Services Department as op- posed to funding the Center with all local monies. The information evoked much discussion and comment from the Commission, none of which was fa¥orable. As a result the membership voted unanimously to strongly recommend to City Council, based on the reasons listed below, that positive a~tion be taken to re- tain the Center under the Recreation Department: (1) The present program was developed largely through the efforts of the Recreation Department and the Parks and Recreation Commission and has been described by officials of the State Office of Aging as ~one of the top three centers in the state'. (~) Although the three-year grant which ~as used to fund the program expired on September 30, 1973, City Council has already voted to operate the Center through the current fiscal year with Federal Revenue Sharing Funds. It should be pointed out, also, that the operating budget is a rather modest figure of $38,000. (3) The program which was presented.to the Seniors included a comprehensive program of education, referral servmces, counseling and companionship services as ~ell as recreation. Some of these activities included an active c~ramic program, scheduling of bus trips to various points and establishmen~ sf a discount program for Seniors with many merchants throughout the city. According to many letters which the Commission received, the Seniors were well pleased with those programs. ~In addition, tha~ the move had part. the members of the Commission were concerned with regard to the fact been accomplished without any prior knowledge or approval on their In conclusion, the Commission realizes that the Recreation Department does not have the expertise to provide all services that are needed by the Senior Citizens and many other agencies will necessarily be involved in this function. We do feel, however, that based on past experiences, the Recreation Department is best equipped to handle~such a program as has been conducted at the Center. Therefore, we respectfully request a favorable decision on our recommendation. I would appreciate hearing from you concerning this recommendation at your earliest convenience. The following letter received from Annie W. Connor, Secretary, Portsmouth Senior Citizens Club, ~mini~y. Episcopal Church, 500 Court Street, was read: 'The Portsmouth Senior Citi. zens Club met on February 5th for their regular meeting. Resolution ~as proposed that the operation .of the Senior Citizens Center would be re- verted back to the Department of Recreation as their preference." T~a following letter received from Marshall D. Owens, 203 ~dlewood Aoenue, was read: 'I would like permission to speak before the City Council of Portsmouth at its meeting of February 12, 1974.