Minutes 06/08/1954 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

June Sth 1954. gating $2,950~00. Due to the fact that there was a double assessment on the land, the sum of $206.46, or $68.82 fo~ each of the above years should be refunded. The Commi'ssioner of the Reve~u~ has relieved the assessment for t954.' Motion of Mr. Grimes that refunds be granted was adopted. Mr. Smith present. 54-159 Mr. Howard presented the following resolution: employ "WHEREAS, it is the information of the City Council of the City of Portsmouth that the Attantic Coast Line Railroad Company has filed a request with the State Corporation Commission of Virginia and the Utilities Commission of North Carolina to permit the discontinuance of passenger Train Numbers 35 and 36 presentl~ operating around trip schedule between Portsmouth, Virginia and Rocky Mount, North Carolina~ and, WHEREAS, through its City Council, the people of Portsmouth believe that this train, presently serving this City and Rocky Mount, North Carolina is a transportation fixture for many of the people in outlying communities along its route and is a necessity for the health, welfare and convenience of the public it serves, and, WHEREAS, this service has continued for more than half a century and its dis- tinuance will not only be felt as an inconvenience in the passenger trade but will seriously hamper the mo ement of express and perishable products including seafood and; WHEREAS, it is farther the information of the City Council of PortsMouth that no effort has been made by the said Railroad Company to improve the equipment or service used in connection with its Train Numbers 35 and 36 for many years, but that inadequate, antiquated equipment, not intended to attract passenger travel is presently employed; ~lat no effort has been made to advertise or to make schedules and the route attractive to passenger travel, that this course of operation, contrary to any modern Railroad policy, has been actively used in this connection to discourage traffic with an eye to the discontinuance of these trains. NOW, .THEREFORE, be it resolved that the City Council of Portsmouth,Virginia, herewith states its position as being actively in opposition to any ct%ange or elimination by the Atiantie Coast Line Railroad Company of its Train Numbers 35 and 36, as beiaga eurtaiTment o£ a right of convenience and necessity which the Railroad has long exclusively enjoyedfor the public benefit and which should continue, an~ be it 'further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the State Corporation Co~m~ission of Virginia and Utilities Commission of North Cs~rolina to be inc_l~ded in the ~ecords 'in the matters now pending." On motion of ~r. Howard. said resolution was adopted and the git y Manager authorized to counsel to represent the City at these hearings. 54-160. Mr. Houghton presented the following petition: "The undersigned operators of business establishments in the City of Portsmouth very re- spectfully request some action as soon as p~ssible toward improving', including some form of paving, King St.from Loudoun Avenue thresh zo Airline Boulevard. In addition re giving those property owners access to the rear of their buildings, it is felt that this street in usable condition would vastly relieve congested traffic on High Street, particularly from the Westhaven and adjoining areas. (Signed) T. D. Copeland, Co., Inc., by Thomas E. Copeland - and numerous others." Motion of Mr. Houghton to refer to the City Manager to report back ~o the Council theby cost of improving this street, was adopted. 54-161 - Motion of Mr. Lawrence ~hat the bus routing for the Prentis Park as approved the Council at the bast meeting be changed as follows, was-adopted: "On Lincoln Street to Elm Avenue to Duke Street to N~ple A venue" 54-162 - Motion of ~r. Howard that the City Manager investigate the advisability and ramps to launch outboard motor boats in Portsmouth, was adopted. feasibility of building 54-163 - The following letters from Edwin J. Rosenbaum and Mrs.B.L. Morris were read: '~he inclosed a~tiele shows the staggering volume of business that is lost to Portsmouth. According to 'Survey'of Buying' the General Merchandise stores are differentiated from the apparel s~ores which include 'stores primarily engaged in selling clothing, hats underwear and related articles for personal wear'. If figures on apparel stores were available, they would swell the total of b~siness lost to Portsmouth as shown in the article. I believe the business lost to Portsmouth is vitally important to the City"s present welfare and future develoument'. In light of the facts as shown in my article, I think that the City Council should re- consider their recent decision about the lunnel bus routing to'High Street. Edwin J Rosenbaum" "The attached letter explains itself. It will be greatly ~ppreciated if you will give my letter ~o the Old Grouch careful consideration, and bring the contents to the tention of the City Council, along with the complaints expressed by Mr. Rosenbaum. I know very well my letter expresses the views of a great many people, who are helped