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TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1999 <br />the very near future, and asked for Council' s favorable consideration of her budget request, which <br /> <br />constituted level funding from the previous year. Council Member Dallas stated that the Uptown <br />businesses should be encouraged to stay open during these various upcoming events. Cotmoil Member <br />Haskell congratulated Ms. Hall and the Association for doing a tremendous job. <br /> <br /> Council next heard the budget request of the Community Development Department, as presented <br />by Tom Hamed, Assistant to the City Manager for Community Development. Mr. Hamed began by <br />introducing the department's new Building Official, Mr. Fred Gordon, who had gained much of his <br />experience in Branson, Missouri. He then mentioned several initiatives of the department, including new <br />Uptown signage, new overhead sign structures at U.S. Route 220 South and the River Hilt area, just south ! <br />of Douglas Avenue and another at Memorial Boulevard and Beaver Street. In addition, progress on the <br />Clearview Business Park and State approval of a new shell building for the Park, with a very favorable <br />finance rate of 2.09% for the project were also noted. Mayor Crabtree stated that this project was a <br />partnership between the City and the Virginia Economic Development Department, and that the VEDP <br />would be working hard to help make it a successful effort for the City. He pointed out that experience in <br />this program showed that the shell buildings are typically sold within two to two and one half years of <br />construction, and that this program would be a big win for the community. Mr. Hamed agreed that the <br />program was a proven winner, and that it would provide both a new business and an attraction for other <br />business. Council Member Haskell stated that the City' s application had been strong, and was presented <br />well. Mr. Hamed noted that a new entrance sign and landscaping for Clearview Business Park was <br />currently under design by Hill Studio. Mr. Harned then noted progress on Rives Road Industrial Park, <br />stating that a contract had been awarded to Mattern and Craig Engineering for master planning of this <br />property to include topography, storm drainage, utilities, and entrance relocation. He emphasized that the <br />most economical and effective grading plan would sought. Council Member Haskell asked whether there <br />had been any inquiries on property in the Rives Road Park, and what leading qualities of the location were <br /> <br /> <br />