Minutes 03/09/1965 - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 9, 1965 65-62 - The following letter from Mrs. W. J. Jona~ was read: "t am writing this letter about the closing of a public street adjacent to my property, and I would like an opportunity to address the Council on the evening of March 9, 1965, on this matter. It was my understanding that the §treet closing which is about to take place at the north end of Middle Street was contingent on providing a cul-de-sac in a portion of the closed street. ~ understanding of the matter is borne out by the re~ort of the viewers which on motion of Mr. Eastes was received and approved by Council of City of Portsmouth, b~arch 26, 1965, The following is an excerpt of minutes of City Council m~n that date: 'Item 63-60 - The following ordinance, on which action was delayed at the last regular meeting was taken up and read: "AN ORDINANCE TO CLOSE THAT PORTION OF MIDDEE STREET LYING NORTH OF A LINE PARALLEL TO AND 255 FEET NORTH OP THE NORTHERN RIGHT-OF-~VA¥ LINE OF NORTH STREET" The following report of viewers was presented, '~nd--on motion of Mr. Eastes, was received and approved: We respectfully report that in accordance with your directions, we have viewed that portion of the §treet located in the City of Portsmouth and known as b~dd~e Street lying north of the northern rear lot lines of the North Street properties and south of the Swimming Point Inlet of the Elizabeth River, and we report that no inconvenience to the ~ubli¢ and the neighboring property o~mers would result from discontinuing and closing of said street, provided~a cul-de-sac is constructed at the end of the portion so clesed for ~he benefit of the persons residing on the portion =emaining open. {Signed: L. A. Clark, J. ~. McCehee, Frank N. Bilisoly, and Graydon D. Meginley). Vote being taken~ the ordinance was approved on first reading without a dissenting vote.' In view of the fact that my concern was smch that I talked with each of the viewers personally and it was the expression of my concern in this matter that resulted in action by Council being delayed until r~port of viewers was received, I was dismayed at a recent letter from the City Manager, in which he stated, "there will be no cul-de-sac at this location". .For your information under date of Anril 9, 1963, the following was adopted by the Council of Cityf of Portsmouth, Virginia: "AN ORDINANCE TO CLOSE THAT PORTION OF MIDDLE STREET LYING NORTH OF A LINE PARALLEL TO ~D 193 FEET NORTH OF THE NORTHERN RIGHT-OF-MAY LINE OF NORTH STREET" Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, that the portion of Middle Street lying north of a line parallel to and 193 feet north of the northern right-of-way line of North Street be, and the same is hereby closed and vacated as a public street, reserving unto the City of Portsmouth, however, the perpetual easement right and privilege to construct and maintain a cul-de-sac for the use and benefit of the general public in that portion of Middle Street so closed lying adjacent to the portion not closed and estending northward for a distance of SS feet.' You will note that the distance has been reduced from 255 feet on first reading to 195 feet on second reading, north of the northern right-of-way line, a reduction which in effect allowed 60 feet to be used for the construction of a cul-de-sac. In view of the above, I respectfully request herewith that the City Council be an appropriate means instruct the City Manager and the proper department of the City to see that the cul-de-sac is constructed as provided in the viewers report which was incorporated in the Ordinance adopted A~ril 9, 1965." On motion, the rules were suspended and Mrs. Jonak spoke. The City Manager~made an explanation regarding the turn.around at the end of Middle Street, which was satisfactory to Mrs. Jonak. 65-65 - Motion of Mr. Knight that a ~roner resolution be drawn commending the Police and Fire Departments for the fine manner in which they handled the disastrous fire in the 200 block of High Street recently. 65-64 - Motion of Mr. Dillon to consider a suggestion which had come to him regarding increases in pensions for city employees now on the pay roll lists was adopted. 65-65 - Motion of Mr. Johnson that the Planning Commission furnish the Council with its report on survey of zoning classifications on Portsmouth Boulevard was adopted without dissenting .vote. ~5-66 - Motion of Mr. Barnes to suspend the rules to hear from R. T. Etheridge. Mr. Etheridge spoke expressing regret that all of Park View is not included in the propose~ conservation project. On motion adjourned. Approved President City Clerk