12/31/90 Board of Public Works Minutes

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429 REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 31, 1990 neighbors do use the alley to park their cars making use of the alley even more difficult. Also, the alleys are full of potholes and in need of repair. Ms. Taylor recommended that someone who makes the decision on whether the alley should be vacated should visit the area and see the problems that exist. She noted that she has used, with Mr. Lott's permission, a vacant lot which he owns in order that friends attending a party at her home could park their cars. Mr. Magdalinski asked why the City doesn't do something about the cars that park in the alley. He stated that police cars go through the alley and have to drive on Ms. Taylor's property to get through yet they don't stop to issue tickets. Mr. Leszczynski advised Mr. Magdalinski that that complaint will be forwarded to the Police Department. Mr. Willie E. Lott, 537 Blaine Avenue, Indiana, Petitioner, addressed the Board and stated that the fact that the alley is being used for parking of cars by neighbors should not have anything to do with the fact that he wants to vacate the alley. He noted that Blaine is a busy street and a snow route and he could get his vehicles off of the street if the alley is vacated in order for him to extend his garage. He noted that because he cannot park his vehicles on the vacant lot which he owns since he was advised by the Department of Code Enforcement that he could not park his cars on that lot and since his single car garage will not accommodate his vehicles, he would like to vacate the alley in order to extend his garage. He noted that within a three (3) block radius there are approximately thirty (30) vacant lots that are being used for the parking of cars. There was much discussion among Mr. Magdalinski, Ms. Taylor and Mr. Lott about the parking situation in the area. In response to Ms. Taylor's inquiry if Mr. Lott could build a garage on the portion of the alley to be vacated, Mrs. DeClercq stated that certain codes must be met and that he cannot build a garage on a vacant lot if there is not an existing structure on that lot. He also needs to meet all building codes in the construction of the new garage. It was noted that Mr. Lott is the property owner of Lots #8 & 9 which are located on both sides of the alley. Mr. Leszczynski suggested to Mr. Lott that he might want to think about replatting the lots into one big lot and Mr. Lott stated that that is his intention. Mr. Leszczynski advised that the Engineering Department has submitted an unfavorable recommendation on the closing of this alley because they were unaware that Mr. Lott was the property owner of Lots 8 & 9 and also because of the utility easements located in the right-of-way. Mr. Leszczynski noted that Mr. Lott could seek permission from the utility companies to release those easements. Mr. Leszczynski further advised that the Department of Economic Development, Area Plan Commission and the Fire Department have submitted favorable recommendations concerning this proposed vacation. Again there was conversation between Ms. Taylor, Mr. Magdalinski and Mr. Lott concerning the parking situation in the area. Mr. Leszczynski noted that Mr. Lott's request to vacate the alley in order to enlarge his garage and remove his vehicles from the street will help to solve some of the parking problems in the area. As far as Mr. Magdalinski's complaint about the increased traffic through his alley which would occur, that is something that cannot be anticipated and perhaps with increased traffic, some of the vandalism that Mr. Magdalinski stated has occurred to his property will be stopped. There being no further comments concerning this proposed alley vacation, upon a motion made by Mr. Leszczynski, seconded by Ms. Humphreys and carried, the Public Hearing on this matter was closed.