Minutes 10/09/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 9, 2001 · The City will attempt to negotiate purchase of the private properties from their owners utilizing the Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority as its agent. · In the event that the City is unsuccessful in reaching a negotiated purchase of the properties, it needs to be able to commence eminent domain proceedings quickly in order not to jeopardize the projected 2001-2003 construction schedule. · The City Charter requires that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Attorney to commence eminent domain proceedings. · The owners of the properties proposed for acquisition were contacted by letters dated September 10, 2001 and September 28, 2001 notifying them of the City's proposed intent to acquire their property, that PRHA would be the City's agent, and that this matter would be discussed at City Council meetings to be held on September 25, 2001 and October 9, 2001. Also included with the September 10, 2001 letter was a HUD brochure that described the property acquisition process and important features of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970, as amended. Copies of the September 10 and September 28 correspondence are attached. Property owners attending the September 25th City Council meeting stated that they were informed they would need to vacate the property within 90 days. This information is incorrect and was not provided by staff. Financial Impact: · The costs of property acquisition will be included in the project costs and will be funded from Public Utilities Bond proceeds as a capital improvement. 1. Debra Washington, 317 Choate Street, spoke in opposition to this item. 2. Lottie Washington, 321 Choate Street, spoke in opposition to this item. 3. Theresa Kitonga, 317 Choate Street, spoke in opposition to this item. 4. Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky, 363 Middle Street, spoke in opposition to this item. Motion by Mr. Griffin, and seconded by Mr. Benn, to deny this item, and was defeated by the following vote: Ayes: Benn, Griffin, Moody, Whitehurst, Holley Nays: Pitts - City Manager's Report - 01 - 287 - Adoption of a motion to transfer $77,600 from the Grants Contingency Account for funding of an airport acquisition economic feasibility study related to the Hampton Roads Airport. A local match of $15,520 is required. Recommendation: · Adoption of a motion to transfer $77,600 from the Grants Contingency Account for funding of an airport acquisition economic feasibility study related to the Hampton Roads Airport. Purpose and Need: · The City received a grant in May 2000 from the State Department of Aviation to study the feasibility of acquiring the Hampton Roads Airport. · The study was completed but through oversight there was no request to City Council for approval to transfer the funds to allow expenditure. · It is now necessary to make the appropriate transfer of funds so that payment can be made to the consultant.