07/19/93 Board of Public Works Minutes

Home Browse Search

2aU REGULAR MEETING JULY 19, 1993 DENY REQUEST OF NORTHWEST SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION TO CLOSE VASSAR, FROM JOHNSON TO O'BRIEN, EACH MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY, FROM 5-8:00 P.M. - JULY 12, 1993 THROUGH AUGUST 20, 1993 FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES Mr. Leszczynski advised that the Board is in receipt of recommendations from the various City departments and bureaus that have reviewed the above referred to request which was submitted to the Board on July 12, 1993. Mr. Leszczynski stated that it is the Board's position that the street could be closed for this purpose for one (1) day but not for the entire summer as the street is primarily for vehicular traffic. Mr. Leszczynski further noted that Muessel Park is located in the area and it would make more sense to utilize the park for recreational purposes than the public street. Mr. Mario L. Sims, President, Northwest Side Neighborhood Association, 1050 North Johnson, South Bend, Indiana, was present and addressed the Board. Mr. Sims stated that he visited Muessel Park this morning and it smells of urine. Mr. Sims further stated that a robbery took place in the park approximately three (3) weeks ago and the park is a cesspool for crime. Also, there are drug dealings going on in the park. Mr. Sims stated that the park is littered with broken bottles from alcoholic beverages and the bathrooms are locked. There is graffiti of gangs on the walls and it is known that two (2) gangs frequent the park and say they control the park. Mr. Sims informed the Board that the neighborhood would love to use the park but the people are afraid. Mr. Sims stated that it was felt that the closing of the street for recreational purposes would have been something positive without attacking the City administration for the condition of the park. It is ridiculous to have a park that people are afraid to use because of the violent criminal element that controls the park. Mr. Leszczynski inquired of Mr. Sims if he has relayed these concerns to the Police Department and the Park Department. Mr. Sims stated that the neighborhood association has, over the past four (4) years, complained about this situation but have been told that the park system does not have the money to address these concerns and the Police Department has limited manpower. Mr. Leszczynski stated that neither the Park Department nor the Police Department would not give that response. Mr. Leszczynski noted that both he and Board Attorney Mary Mueller have discussed this matter with the Police Chief and they are not aware of problems at the park. Mr. Leszczynski stated that concerns should be addressed to the Police Chief and the Park Superintendent and the Board of Public Works is not the forum for this type of complaint. Mr. Sims informed those present that he has called a press conference for Thursday, July 22, 1993 at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Sims began to discuss the park department deficit and the Hall of Fame Project and Mr. Leszczynski reminded him that the purpose of his presence today was to discuss the street closing and not any other City project. Mr. Sims continued and was told by Mr. Leszczynski that he was out of order at which time Mr. Sims concluded his comments. Board Attorney and Member Mary H. Mueller informed Mr. Sims that if he would like to conduct recreational activities at Muessel Park, she has received the assurance of the Park and Police Departments that they will work with him to make the park a safe and adequate place. Mrs. Mueller noted that when she attends the Park Board meeting this afternoon, she will bring up this matter with them.