RM 08-05-77 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page Six Regular Meeting Minutes of August 5, 1977 6. NEW BUSINESS (CONT'D i. Approval is requested for the addendum to the contract dated December 17, 1976 and also the new contract dated August 5, 1977 for James E. Childs and Associates for architectural services for the R -66 Project. The request of these documents is to increase the amount of money needed for the contract $2,500.00 and extend the length of the contract for services to July 31, 1977. Mr. Robinson motioned that these contracts be approved subject to legal counsel approval. Seconded by Cira and no further discussion, the contracts were approved subject to counsel approval. 7. PROGRESS REPORTS a. Pr gress report requested by the Commission of the updated listing of Ch nge Orders approved by the Redevelopment Commission on July 22, 1977. b. Progress report of the updated list of Bureau of Housing Applicants approved by the Commission July 1, 1977. Mr. Nimtz asked that this information be received and placed on file, and if there were any questions regarding the reports, that they be brought up at the next Commission meeting. At thi time Mr. Nimtz introduced to the commission a concerned business owner, Mrs. Edith awley to address those in attendance. Mrs. Hawley presented the following statement: "My narne is Edith Hawley, I am the proprietor of the Jefferson Book Store at 111 West Jefferson. In 1962 I established the Readmore Book Store at 132 South Main. After two years of little or no profits, I established a profitable business, small but ample for my needs. In 1968 Urban Renewal forced us out of this venture. In 1968 I again established my present store. After nother two years of working for nothing I now have a prosperous business, which ou propose to destroy. If I am not properly compensated for the fruit ss years I shall take all legal steps necessary to obtain justice. Furthermore, I and the other merchants in the 100 block of West Jefferson object to the needless destruction of sound buildings. The bulldozer mentality of our early planners is apparent in that big ugly spot they call "The Hole" and on north and south Michigan. Let's not make the same mistake twice. NOW there is a proposal to spend a million or more on another garage to give free parking, the benefits of which would accrue to the promoters of this latest scheme. Here's the catch: the cost of this structure would come out of the pockets of the taxpayer, and I am one of them. In other words, you are asking me to pay for something that would destroy my livelihood, that's like alsking me to furnish the rope for my own hanging."