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3.24 <br /> <br />TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1998 <br /> <br /> Parking was characterized as both a positive and a negative issue, depending upon individual perspective. <br /> <br />Mayor Adams thanked Dr. Hensley and his team and congratulated them on a job well done. Mrs. Haskell <br />also thanked Dr. Hensley, and asked what recommendations he might offer on how to provide financial <br />assistance to business owners. He responded that small business development centers, capital lending and <br />investment programs, and private venture capital groups were good approaches. Mayor Adams noted that the <br />demographics provided showed the need for a wide range of businesses to satisfy a variety of income groups. <br />Mr. Teague asked about the potential for bus service for these businesses, and was told that although some <br />communities have had success with bus service, convenient and available parking played a more important <br />part in this case. Mayor Adams stated that the ability to actually see the store you planned to visit from your <br />parking location was important too. Vice-Mayor Crabtree asked what incentives might work to attract <br />"anchor" stores to the Uptown, and was told that incentives such as reduced lease costs and advertising <br />incentives would be helpful. Dr. Hensley also suggested the pursuit of medium size stores such as <br />pharmacy/sundry stores. Council Member Haskell noted that this was a much more current and sanguine <br />picture of the Uptown conditions, and very optimistic. Ms. Krista Vannoy of MURA noted that the <br />organization would be doing an Uptown open house for realtors, would coordinate the use of vacant uptown <br />buildings during special seasons, and would be working with business owners to encourage more regular and <br />expanded business hours. Mr. Dallas commented that he hoped that there would one day be a public transit <br />system to serve the Uptown. <br /> <br />The next item for Council's consideration was a request by the MARC Workshop regarding their lease <br />agreement. Mr. W. K. Putney, Chairman of the MARC Workshop Board of Directors, was present to speak <br />on behalf of the clients, staff and Board of the organization. Mr. Putney first acknowledged the Board <br />Members present, then thanked the Council for their allowance of the use of the old elementary school on <br />Jordan Street for the past 29 years to offer a very important and valuable training program. He noted that <br />over the years the Board has added 2,500 square feet of additional space to the building, at a cost of $85,000, <br /> <br /> <br />