Minutes 09/26/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 26, 2006 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Virginia General Assembly in devising a statewide transportation funding package, is encouraged to legislate means by which the more urbanized regions of the state can raise needed revenue, which may include tolls, for their respective traffic congestion abatement projects. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Portsmouth strongly supports the recommendations of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission /Metropolitan Planning Organization for the aforementioned package of projects and requests that the members of the Portsmouth Delegation to the General Assembly use all means available to them to facilitate the bringing to fruition of all of the projects referenced above. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is hereby directed to deliver a copy of the foregoing Resolution to all members of the Portsmouth delegation to the Virginia General Assembly." Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, Randall, D. Smith, R. Smith, Holley Nays: None 06 - 437 - Adoption of a resolution authorizing a Written Agreement concerning Paradise Creek Nature Park. Vision Principles: Neighborhood and Community Transformation, A Robust and Prospering Economy, and Lifelong Learning Community. 1. Barbara Bodenstein, 475 Water Street, spoke in support of this item. Background: . The Elizabeth River Project, in partnership with the Virginia Port Authority, will fund and develop a 40-acre park as a gift to the City. . This park will be one of Portsmouth's largest recreational amenities, it will achieve the City's goals for greening/transforming the Southeastern Gateway to Portsmouth, and it will increase property values expected in surrounding areas. Discussion: . Council has been consistently favorable to this project beginning with an initial unanimous vote, Earth Day 2003, to support grant applications. City staff and Elizabeth River Project consultant reported to Council a preference for an eco-park. . Paradise Creek is consistent with the Destination 2025 Comprehensive Plan. Urban Design Associates (Gindroz) recommended the park in the Master Plan for revitalizing Cradock. . Parks and open space increase the value of surrounding property. . Elizabeth River Project has secured $1 million toward the $1.4 million purchase price for the land. The Elizabeth River Project plans a Capital Campaign for the remainder of expenses. . Elizabeth River Project has invested more than $100,000 in the park to date, including funding Clough Harbour Associates, a leading park designer, to complete a Master Plan. . The Master Plan includes wetland restoration, canoe launch, trails and boardwalks including a walkway at tree canopy height, sculptural elements such as a "tidal garden" and earthen works "timescape," as well as native plantings, a children's play area, educational spaces and picnic pavilions. Staff Recommends: Adoption of proposed resolution. Vision Principle: Neighborhood and Community Transformation, A Robust and Prospering Economy, and Lifelong Learning Community.