Council approves acquisition for Sylvia Lane drainage, IDA bonds for CNU affiliates and Choice Neighborhood appropriation

At the April 14 meeting the council approved several formal actions related to capital projects and economic development.

Property acquisition for Sylvia Lane drainage: Council opened and closed the public hearing on an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute documents to acquire by voluntary sale or condemnation a portion of property at 120 Sylvia Lane for a drainage project. With no public speakers, council adopted the ordinance; the clerk recorded the vote as carrying 7-0.

Revenue bonds for Christopher Newport University affiliates: Staff recommended the Industrial Development Authority issue revenue bonds not to exceed $3,000,000 for the benefit of the Christopher Newport University Real Estate Foundation and certain affiliates. Council approved the resolution 7-0.

Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) appropriation: Staff requested appropriation of $6,400,000 from FY2025 bond authorization's community development category to support construction under Choice Neighborhood Initiative Phase 5 at 2815 Washington Avenue; council approved the appropriation unanimously and staff noted this completes the final phase tied to the CNI grant.

Consent agenda and opioid settlement: The council also approved the consent agenda (items F1-F3), which included a resolution approving the city's participation in a proposed settlement of opioid-related claims and authorizing the city attorney to execute necessary documentation; that consent vote was 7-0.

Votes at a glance: all recorded motions for these items carried unanimously (7-0) at the April 14 session.