04/17/89 Board of Public Works Minutes

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104 REGULAR MEETING APRIL 17, 1989 that one (1) vehicle went through the alley at such a high rate of speed that they could not have stopped in time had a child run into the alley. He stated that this is not an uncommon occurrence. He further stated that Mr. & Mrs. Janowski are very cautious in using the alley. Mr. Metzger informed the Board that the purpose of an alley is to provide service access to garages. He advised that there are garages on Lots 4, 5, and 6. The garage of Lot #6 is his garage. The other garages are on the north/south alley and don't use the proposed alley to be vacated to exit. He indicated that an alley is not to be a thoroughfare but service access to utilities and trash removal. Mr. Metzger then utilized a map which he also submitted to the Board to indicate the routes that could be utilized by trash removal trucks. He informed the Board that he did discuss with the Fire Department this matter and was advised that the Fire Department prefers to use the north/south alley to get to the properties and was told that a fire truck would be able to get through if needed. Mr. Metzger proceeded to explain to the Board the turning radius that he is proposing should the alley be vacated. He stated that he is allowing a minimum twenty foot (201) radius which would create a twenty foot (201) wide alley beginning at his garage to Lot #7 for sixty-two feet (621). Mr. Metzger also informed the Board that he drove through the River Park area and compiled a list of twenty-eight (28) "T" intersection alleys in River Park. None of these alleys, except the one (1) behind the library, provided additional turning space as he is proposing. He stated that he plans to construct a fence and a concrete drive between Lots #6 and #7. Mr. Metzger asked that the Board make a recommendation to the Common Council to vacate this alley. Ms. Reed informed the Board that it is her opinion that there is no way an emergency vehicle could get through the alley should the proposed alley be vacated as there is a utility pole in the way. Ms. Judy Stabinik, 16555 Gerald Street, Granger, Indiana, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Janowski, 923 South Ironwood, South Bend, Indiana, addressed the Board and stated that she visits her parents daily and does not want the alley to be vacated. She stated that her children as well as other children in the neighborhood utilize the alley to get to the public library. She also noted that traffic from the florist shop exits at the rear. She indicated that it was her opinion that it was unfair for Mr. Metzger to present findings of his traffic counts when the other residents did not conduct a traffic count of their own. She also stated that the other "T" intersection alleys Mr. Metzger mentions do not access onto Ironwood which is a dangerous street. Mrs. Sheldon Maxey, 921 21st Street, South Bend, Indiana, addressed the Board and indicated that she sits on her porch quite a bit and notices a lot of traffic going very fast through the alley, with some of those motorists being people who are coming to pick up their children at Mrs. Janowski's as well as other motorists going straight through the alley. Mr. Janowski stated that Mr. Metzger could have built his garage farther from the alley and then there would be room to turn. At this time, Mr. Leszczynski advised individuals present that the purpose of the hearing was to hear pros and cons of the proposed alley vacation and advised them to only voice their opinions and to refrain from getting personal. Mr. Sheldon Maxey advised that the florist shop mentioned previously has been vacant for a period of time and is being 1 1