Minutes 11/10/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 10. 2009 (c) CA-09-06 DOWNTOWN - The City of Portsmouth seeks to amend Chapter 40 of the City Code (Zoning) by comprehensively updating the Downtown District zoning ordinance text regulations, including but not limited to text pertaining to the 0-2 district, and to change the zoning map classifications of this Downtown District and properties generally adjacent thereto. The Comprehensive Plan recommends that the City adopt guidelines that address downtown development. Vision Principle: Bold New Directions. There were no speakers. Motion by Mr. Heretick, and seconded by Mr. Moody, to concur with the recommendation of the Planning Commission that CA-09-06 be approved on first reading, and was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Heretick, Moody, Psi mas, Smith, Holley Nays: None - Unfinished Business - 09 - 568 - Adoption of an ordinance to amend Chapter 22 of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (2006), by adopting a new section 22-702.1 pertaining to pedestrians in certain streets. Deferred from the October 13, 2009 City Council Meeting. Vision Principle: Bold New Directions. Background: . There is a growing problem of pedestrians engaging in activities that are in varying degrees dangerous and harmful to community quality. These activities normally occur at heavily travelled intersections on major streets and highways. Discussion: . It creates an unacceptable risk to public safety for increasing numbers of pedestrians to be involved in activities that cause them to be exposed to traffic on heavily travelled major streets and highways. . The proposed ordinance would make it illegal for pedestrians to intentionally remain in the roadways and medians of major streets and highways unless there is a legitimate reason for them to be there. . There are numerous exceptions in the ordinance so that it will not apply to local streets in residential neighborhoods, and so it will not criminalize legitimate activities that cause people to be in streets. Financial Impact: . No financial impact. Recommended Action: . Adoption of the ordinance IS recommended. Vision Principle: Bold New Directions. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Enforcement by Portsmouth Police Department. . Enforcement will include guidelines that if a person who is illegally remaining on a major street is in need of services, an attempt will be made to direct the person to the services if appropriate and possible under the circumstances. 1. Steve Carroll, 3112 Riveredge Drive, spoke in support of this item. Motion by Ms. Psi mas, and seconded by Mr. Heretick, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: