Minutes 12/17/1968 - Laserfiche WebLink

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At ~(~regular meeting of the City Council, held on DecemBer 17, 1968, there were present: Jack P. Barnes, George D. Eastes, Ja~es W. Hol~ey, Burrell R. Johnson, Isaac W. g_tng, R. Irvine Smith, Raymond Turner, A. P. Johnson, Jr., City Manager, and M. A. Korb, Jr., City Attorney~ The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev.-John D. Ashenf~lder, paster, Cradock Presbyterian Chef, ch. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The following reports from the City Manager were read: 68-428 - "I submit the attached resolution and recommend its adoptien~ Th~ Es a "Declaration of Policy" by the City Council for the City's Workable Program for CommunitM Improvement recertification. The resolution stipulates that the City will out special emphasis on research and development of Ports- mouth!s imt~trial, commercial and transportation potential. The City will also attempt to use more BXt~siV~IF tli~ fi~i~ toOl~ ~f Lirban Renewal, beaut~'fication, job training, etc. The resolution further states that further emphasis well Be placed on providing decent and adequate housing for all Portsmouth citizens. We will further explore t~e fanprovement of Southside through a Neigh- borhood Development Program.~ On motion of Mr. Smith, the following resolution was adopted, without dissenting vote: "DECLARATION OF POLICY FOR TH~ WORKABLE PROGP,~M FOR COb[IUNITY IMPI~OYEME~\T In reviewing progress under its Program for Community Improvement, a locality is taking stock evaluting its accomplishments and deciding on new goals for the coming years. This is an important process publicize it as a means of building community understanding and support for community imporvement objectives. Prepare a Declaration of Policy statement to be issued by the c~ief executive officer and governing body to the people of the community. The statement should identify and summarize {1) significant achievements during the past year; 920 changes or revisions in the community's overall objectives, and ~S) major goals which are set for attainment during the coming year. DECLARATION OF POLICY DURING THE PAST YEAR: The City of Portsmouth almost doubled its to~a~larea and increased its population by approximately 10% on January 1, 1968. In t~e partial reunification of the City's URB with its natural putgrowt~ of suburb, Portsmouth firmly resolved to continue to strive for the ~roadest possible community growth and renewal through a sound program of planned economic, social, and physical develop- ment, throughout the ~ity of Portsmouth has accompli~I~ed t~e following achievements. Began the creation of a broader economic base and ~ounder tax program. This has been partially realized through the successful development of the .PortmmoutB Marine Terminal, as well as tkrengh the establish- ment of a new Tax commission. II. Continued efforts to revitalize the old core area of two ce~nturies standing, in addition to undertaking a vigorous public improvements p~e~ram over tile entire city. THis has been achieved with the use of city, state and Federal monies. The city is actively involved ~n a 17 million dollar plus urban renewal program. Throughout the city dignificamt programs of ~eautifieations and open space projects; sewer treatments facilities modernization; highway arterial programs and school plant expansion have been com- pleted or are undem~ay. III. ~e goal of increased citizens participation in governmental affairs has been demonstrated by the unique Churchtand Area Citizen's Advisory Committee. THis conm~'ttee's activities ~elped assure a more orderly transition for the newly annexed Churchland Area. Citizem participation was also marked in the city's "Mode!'Citims" effort, the pending Downtown Ne£gHBor5ood Facilities proposal and the ci~y'$~ti~ cbde.~fO~cement program. THE FUTURE: ~/HEREAS: T~e .... y of Portsmouth recognizes that accomplishments to date mark only a beginning toward solving urban proDlems and insuring the broadest possible program of planned economic, socal and physical develop, ment; BE IT RESOLVED: That the following proposals for the attainment of this goal, into 1970's is hereby put forth: Through the efforts of local public,, and private "decision makers", there will be an accelerated program of research and development of Portsmouth's industrial, commercial and transportation potential. This development of Portsmouth's resources will assure a sounder tax base for future public programs and economic properity for all of Portsmouth's'citizens. THAT: II. Based upon recently completed intensive comprehensive planning, emphasis will be placed upon a greater use of the"multi-governmental financing ~ools of urban renewal, beaut~flcation public facilities, job trainin and other programs in order to pursue an inprovement of life ~n '~he Urban Context'*.