Minutes 04/09/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 9, 1996 "An application has been filed by an adjoining property owner for the closure of Old Bickford Parkway between Towne Point Road and Bickford Lane as illustrated on the attached map. The applicant has a contract to purchase the property on the other side of the right-of-way. The area in question is approximately 9,679 square feet or .222 acres. The unused street divides two commercially zoned parcels which are not currently used. This street was physically closed when Towne Point Road was elevated to cross the Western Freeway and serves no public purpose now or prospectively in the future. The street closure and associated consolidation of the two parcels would return the street right-of-way to the tax rolls. More importantly, such action would make the resulting enlarged development site more suitable for new commercial activity. The length of time that action on the proposed closure would take was deemed critical for a prospective use of the consolidated site. To expedite this matter, my office selected the approach permitted in the State Code whereby the City Planning Commission reviews the application and makes a recommendation to the City Council. The City Planning Commission has reviewed the application and recommends approval of the requested closure. I, therefore, recommend adoption of this ordinance closing the designated portion of Old Bickford Parkway as requested by the applicant." Motion by Mr. Clemons, and seconded by Mr. Pitts, adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: to "AN ORDINANCE CLOSING A PORTION OF OLD BICKFORD PARKWAY." Ayes: Clemons, Griffin, Hawks, Martin, Pitts, Robinett, Webb Nays: None 96-136 - Letter from the City Manager recommending adoption of a resolution in support of participation in a study to determine the feasibility of constructing a sports arena in Hampton Roads. "As you are aware, the communities of Hampton Roads have been discussing the feasibility of constructing a facility, such as an arena, which would allow Hampton Roads to attract a major league sports franchise. The expectation is that the private sector would participate with local governments in this effort, both financially and otherwise. Talks have progressed to the point that there seems to be a consensus developing to proceed with a formal feasibility study. At the most recent meeting of the Hampton Roads Mayors and Chairs Caucus, it was agreed that each member local governing body would be asked whether to participate in such a study and whether it was agreeable to use the Greater Norfolk Corporation as a contracting vehicle for this initial work° If the study shows that this area can support a major league franchise, then a public Request for Proposals would likely be issued to investigate what type of facility could be developed and to study site issues, as well as infrastructure requirements and other specific questions.