Minutes 07/14/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 14. 2009 Background: . The structurally deficient Jordan Bridge was decommissioned and closed by the City of Chesapeake on November 8, 2008. On January 27, 2009, the City Council of Chesapeake passed a resolution approving the proposal by Figg Bridge Developers, LLC for the construction of a new bridge. The emergency construction of the bridge was authorized by an Act of the General assembly enacted into law on March 27,2009. . Figg Bridge Developers, LLC proposes to design, build, own, maintain, and operate a new two lane, fixed span, high-rise modern concrete toll bridge over the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, south of the former Jordan Bridge. . Renamed the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge, the structure will serve as a connection from Elm Avenue in Portsmouth to Poindexter Street in Chesapeake. Discussion: . Design and construction of the replacement bridge will require approval by the City of Portsmouth for its connection to Portsmouth streets Financial Impact . The bridge is being accomplished wholly with private funding and will not require any federal, state, or local public funds. Recommended Action: . Adoption of a resolution authorizing the conveyance of certain property interests needed for construction of a new bridge that will replace the Jordan Bridge. Vision Principles: Bold New Directions, A Robust and Prospering Economy, and Pride of the Past, Promise of the Future. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Completion of the required design plans by Figg and required documents followed by construction of the replacement bridge. 1. Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky, 2713 Sterling Point Drive, spoke in support of this item. Motion by Mr. Whitehurst, and seconded by Mr. Heretick, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY INTERESTS NEEDED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BRIDGE THAT WILL REPLACE THE JORDAN BRIDGE. WHEREAS, the Jordan Bridge, owned by the City of Chesapeake, has linked Chesapeake and Portsmouth across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River at Elm Avenue since it was opened in 1928; and WHEREAS, Chesapeake was forced to close the Jordan Bridge in 2008 due to capital maintenance and structural problems, after eighty years of service; and WHEREAS, the Figg Engineering Group, an internationally respected firm that designs and build bridges, has proposed to Chesapeake that Figg build a toll bridge that will be privately owned to replace the Jordan Bridge, and Chesapeake has accepted that offer, and the new bridge also has the full support of the Virginia Department of Transportation, the General Assembly of Virginia, the Governor of Virginia, and the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission; and WHEREAS, the new bridge will be highly beneficial to Portsmouth citizens and businesses, and this City Council has previously expressed support for it; and WHEREAS, the new bridge will require certain real property interests, including ownership of certain land, easements, and air rights, in order for it to be built and to operate within the corporate boundaries of the City of Portsmouth; and