Agenda 03/23/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1999 Council next considered the need to conduct a public hearing on a request from Virginia Mirror Company, Inc., to abandon that portion of South Moss Street which lies immediately between the property owned by the applicant and property owned by Norfolk & Western Railway. The property in question lies immediately southwest of the existing crossing over the N & W right-of-way. Mr. Wayne Knox, Planning, Zoning and Housing Manager, presented information on the subject of the hearing, stating that both Virginia Mirror Company and the Railroad were seeking this abandonment. Mr. Knox said that approval of the action would create an opportunity for a land exchange between the two organizations that both desired, creating more parking for Virginia Mirror employees and closing off an unsafe rail crossing situation. He noted that both the Planning Commission and local public safety officials had agreed that the abandonment would create a positive outcome, and that a representative from Virginia Mirror Company was present to answer questions. In response to questions from Council Member Dallas Mr. Knox replied that no businesses in the area had stated opposition to the proposed action, and that there would be no cost to the City for any of the activity that would take place in the abandonment process. Vice Mayor Teague noted that the primary impact to the neighborhood would be the creation of a cubde-sac at the end of Moss Street, and asked if the residents in the area were agreeable to this change. Mr. Knox replied that the residents in the 300 block of Moss Street had expressed appreciation for the proposed change, in that it would reduce traffic in the neighborhood. Council Member Dallas then .asked if the large tree in the area of the new cul-de-sae would be removed, and was told that it would remain. Mayor Crabtree then opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Gene SUmley, Vice President of Operations at Virginia Mirror Company, came forward to speak, and stated that although the abandonment request was prompted by the closure of that end of Moss Street and the redevelopment there his company saw this as an opportunity to trade land with the. Norfolk and Western Railroad to create a new parking lot for his personnel and clean up some unsightly land at the location. He noted that he had heard nothing but positive comments about the proposal. Mr. Stanley then asked that if Council gave favorable consideration to the request that they withhold action on the matter until his company and the