Editor’s Note: Mr. Baroody prepares a City Manager’s report for each City Council meeting.
Highlights of major activities and other notable developments:
Citizens Invited to Participate in Parking Survey
The City is engaged in an analysis of parking issues, in order to develop an action plan for acheiving parking solutions. As part of our community outreach, we have a short survey that we invite any interested party to take. Many citizens and business owners have first-hand knowledge of parking needs and we want to hear from you. The survey takes on average 5-7 minutes to complete. If the survey questions do not allow you to capture all your comments, please use the questions at the end of survey to give any and all written feedback.
Restaurant Week Continues Through January 22
As a reminder, the last few days of the annual winter Restaurant Week are fast approaching. See the list of participating restaurants. Remember two hour parking in the downtown, has been extended to four hours though the end of the month for shopping and dining. Enjoy the upcoming days of mild January weather.
Westbound Fall Hill Avenue Overpass To Partially Open on Thursday
The westbound span of the new Fall Hill Avenue overpass bridging Interstate 95 will partially open to traffic on Thursday January 19, and motorists should be alert for a new traffic pattern between Bragg Hill Drive and Noble Way. Westbound Fall Hill Avenue traffic, traveling toward Central Park, will be shifted onto the westbound bridge span. Eastbound traffic will continue crossing the eastbound bridge span. Traffic will remain one lane in each direction. Construction work continues on the bridge’s shoulders and the shared use path on the westbound span. When the project is complete, two travel lanes will be open on Fall Hill Avenue in each direction. The project is scheduled to be completed in April of this year.
Economic Impact of Historic Half
University of Mary Washington Professor Dr. Mukesh Srivastava is working with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Marine Corps on an economic impact report for this year’s Marine Corps Historic Half. Srivastava produced a similar report based on the 2013 race that estimated the event had a local economic impact of at least $10.7 million. Srivastava is the director of UMW’s Center for Business Research in the College of Business. This year’s Marine Corps Historic Half will occur May 21 and will mark 10 years of the race being in Fredericksburg.
Virginia Economic Development Partnership Team Visits City
On Thursday, EDT staff welcomed a team of more than 20 professionals from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Staff provided the VEDP personnel with an overview of economic development efforts and opportunities in the City. The event was part of a region-wide VEDP familiarization tour organized by the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance.
Police “Open” Little Free Library
In partnership with Hugh Mercer Elementary School, the Police Department has “opened” its first Little Free Library. Standing at just 23-and a-half-inches tall and located at the entrance to police headquarters, the Little Free Library is filled with a variety of children’s books, many of which are about police work. In its most basic form, the Little Free Library is a freestanding bookcase where anyone can pick out a book and take it home to enjoy. It also serves as a way for our officers to engage and build relationships with City youth.
Technical Budget Amendment Changing School Capital Fund for Original Walker Grant School Renovation
The purpose of this item is to provide information regarding a technical budget amendment. In accordance with the recommendation of the auditors, City financial staff structured Fund 311 as a capital fund account. This new fund is to be used for the purpose of tracking all capital expenditure activities related to the renovation of the Original Walker-Grant School, which was a bond funded capital project. Future debt funded school capital project activity will also be funded from Fund 311. The capital activities were previously included in Fund 301. Fund 301 will continue to be used for school capital project that do not require the City to issue debt.
Downtown 31 Event Summary
Attached is a summary of the month long events in their inaugural year. Thanks to all the supporters who made this successful month of holiday events possible.
Building Statistics Reports
The December Building Construction Activity and Property Maintenance Reports are attached for your review.
More
City Revises Parking Survey, Adds Parking Forum
City Manager’s Update 01/05/17
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