Minutes 10/25/1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 25, 1983 Norfolk and Portsmouth Beltline Railroad on the west. Within this area, approximately 79 parcels are designated to be acquired containing an estimated 67 structures. Adoption of the proposed amendment will permit the Authority and the City to initiate and continue implementing the strategies for revitalizing both the High Street Corridor as recommended by the Priority Action Plan for Central Portsmouth prepared for the Authority and City by Praful Shah and Associates and Lane Design/Research, Inc. The City will utilize a mix of Federal, State and local programs, including the Community Development Block Grant Program, the Enterprise Zone Program(s), the Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program, tax-exempt Industrial Development Revenue Bonds and Loans, and other public and private initiatives to revitalize the underdeveloped and undeveloped High Street Corridor. Land use for the property to be added by Amendment 14 is proposed for mixed reuse consistent with the proposed extension of Downtown D-1 Zoning." Robert M. Parker, 4717 Rivershore Road, representing Morse Parker Motor Supply, spoke on the following: "My name is Robert M. Parker, President of Morse-Parker Motor Supply Inc. I am very much in favor of ~removing blight from our community, while retaining our desirable and sound structures. I commend our City Council for its accomplishments and continual efforts in this regard. It is my understanding that proposed amendment #14 of October 1983 shows aur business as one to be acquired by P.R.H.A. My purpose is to request that you amend proposed amendment 14 so as to exclude our business at 809-815 High St. £rom those parcels to be acquired by P.R.H.A. for the following reasons: 1. Our business is wholesale and retail distributmon of automotive and industrial partm and supplies and is completely compatible with the newly proposed plan for our block. Our building is soundly built of briok and cement block construction, with steel 1-beam supports throughout. Our entire front was redone last year, and presents a very attractive appearance that we are quite proud of. We have an all weather, canopy covered parking in front which offers drive-in parking convenience for 9 cuszomers at once. Our business is a landmark in Portsmouth, having served our City and our customers for over 60 years from this very location. Customers from all over the tidewater area know our location, and we would suffer severe_-loss of business should we be forced to move. 6. Our business today provides employment for S7 tax paying employees, who represent 37 tax paying homes. [smUt this more ~eazm~l~ than a new business in our place with perhaps 6 or - employees? Your favorable aons~deration of our request w.ill be appreciated and will do us, our 37 employees, and our community a service. Mayor Johansen responded ~o Mr. P~rthat his problem will be looked into. No action was taken on the above item. 83-391 PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 3, SOUTHSIDE 3 R~DEVELOPMENT PROJEC7 Michael A. Kay, Executive Director, Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, presented the following: SOUTHSIDE Ill REDEVeLOPMeNT PROJECT "Amendment No. 3 to the Plan for the Southside III Redevelopment Project proposes ~o add to the project two blocks bounded by Jefferson Street on the north, Fourth Street on the west, Madison Street on the south, and Fifth Street on the west. Assemblage of this property will be accomplished with~Communi~y Development Program funds both currently received and proposed for fundin$ during the 1984 Community Development Year. ~ithin the two blocks to be added to the pro]ect, a total of 41 parcels will be acquired, the relocation of seven homeowners and 15 tenants, and the clearance of approximately 22 structures. The Southside III Redevelopment Plan is being amended at this time to continue the treatment of the Southside community initiated in 1975." Mary Lancaster, 52~ Edwards Street, requested that her house be conszdered in the plan as it is the only one in that block. The City Manager asked P.R.H.A. to consider the request. No action taken.