10/29/90 Board of Public Works Minutes

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352 REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 29, 1990 4. Traffic signals from Twyckenham to Logan Street on Mishawaka Avenue 5. Businesses along Mishawaka Avenue 6. A few thousand residential customers The letter further noted that if the alleys were to be vacated, property owners might unknowingly park vehicles, erect fences and other barriers that might impede access to a damaged pole or line, thus limiting I&M's ability to restore power in the safest and quickest manner. It is for these reasons that I&M recommends to the City of South Bend not to vacate these alleys. Mr. Morgan stated that I&M is certainly sensitive to the property owners and very seldom do they get involved in alley vacations to this extent. He noted that even though alleys are vacated subject to utility rights, I&M wanted to make everyone aware of the fact that there are extensive facilities located in the stretch of alley proposed to be vacated and those facilities are more than normally found. He further noted that one line is utilizing specially for the Associates Computer Center and stated that there is a concern that if barriers are.erected they would prevent restoration of power. In conclusion, Mr. Morgan noted that I&M has the ability in that alley, with three (3) switching poles,to divert power from one point to another. Mr. Joseph Janowski, 923 South Ironwood, South Bend, Indiana, addressed the Board and utilizing a diagram of the alley to be vacated and the location of his residence, illustrated what effect the closing of the alley would have on his ability to utilize his garage and space in the rear of his property where he parks his car and has access to his garage for his boat. Mr. Janowski noted that the trash trucks use this alley as well as the oil truck which delivers heating oil to his home. Mrs. Janowski submitted to the Board a Petition against the vacation of the above referred to alley signed by sixteen (16) residents of the area. Ms. Shirley Hughes, stated that she owns property at 925 and 924 1/2 South Ironwood, South Bend, Indiana, and advised that the garage of the one property faces the alley and problems would be experienced if the alley is closed. Mrs. Judy Stabinik, 16555 Gerald Street, Granger, Indiana, advised that Mr. & Mrs. Joe Janowski, 923 South Ironwood, South Bend, Indiana, are her parents and that she lived in the area and knows the problems. She stated that she would like to voice her concerns about the safety of her parents and the use of the alley by emergency vehicles should they be required. Mr. Maxey addressed the Board again and stated that he utilized the alley for maneuvering his thirty-one foot (311) trailer and that the residents abutting the alley have no intentions of blocking access to utilities or emergency vehicles. Ms. Stabinik stated that utility poles are located so close on the alley that it would make turning very difficult. She noted that her parents have lived at this residence for twenty (20) years and have kept up their property and its a shame that at this point in their lives they will be denied access to their garage. Mrs. Janowski stated that she previously ran a daycare from her _home and believes that children running into the street pose more of a problem than children playing in the alley being hit by speeding vehicles. She also noted that the utility poles are within three (3) feet of her windows to illustrate how close they live on the alley. She stated that Mr. Maxey's earlier comments about his being able to utilize the alley for his trailer do not compare to the situation they would be placed in regarding the alley abutting their property.