01/17/88 Board of Public Works Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 12, 1988 with representatives of the South Bend Community School Corporation to develop ways to alleviate the parking problem in the Adams High School area and they are working on long range plans regarding this problem. Therefore, upon a motion made by Mrs. DeClercq, seconded by Ms. Humphreys and carried, the recommendation was accepted and the Petition approved. Ms. Mary Sue Lamie, 1417 Wall Street, South Bend, Indiana, and four (4) other residents of the area were present at the meeting and thanked the Board for their approval of the Petition. Residents were instructed that they may secure the appropriate restricted residential parking stickers for their own vehicles as well as visitor passes by presenting proof of residency to the Deputy Controller's Office. Ms. Humphrey's advised the residents present that they must appear in person to secure the permits. Residents present discussed with Board members and the news media the problems they have been experiencing with high school students parking in their neighborhoods. Mr. Leszczynski reiterated that Mr. Soderberg has advised that he has been in contact with the South Bend Community School Corporation regarding this problem. The residents advised that they are concerned about the safety of the approximately thirty (30) children in the neighborhood that are exposed to the extra amount of traffic on their street caused by student parking. They are also concerned about emergency vehicle access to the neighborhood. Mr. James Wensits, Reporter, South Bend Tribune, inquired if the City would conduct a study of the apparent parking problems in the area of Adams High School. Mrs. DeClercq advised that the Department of Code Enforcement will coordinate a meeting between the residents and Councilman William Soderberg regarding this matter. She also advised that the Department of Code Enforcement frequently receives calls from residents regarding the parking space in front of their homes and the problem with other neighbors utilizing those spaces. She stated that in some instances it is handicapped or elderly individuals who experience problems with not being able to park in front of their residences. However, the streets are public streets and individuals are allowed to park where there is a space available. In response to Mr. Wensits' question of how the City then justifies residents being able to park in front of their home under the restricted residential parking zone designation, Mrs. DeClercq stated that unusual circumstances are considered in these situations. Restricted Residential parking zones are considered when the residences are in an area that draws cars to their neighborhoods and the spaces in front of residences are being taken by someone other than the residents of the neighborhood. Board Attorney Thomas Bodnar advised that the South Bend Municipal Code ordinance concerning Residential Parking Zones contains the criteria for such designation. In conclusion, Mrs. DeClercq reiterated that she will be in contact with Councilman Soderberg and residents of the area around Adams High School concerning the parking situation problem. Ms. Humphreys stated that she is aware that the Student Government at Adams High School has also been looking into this problem and is working on a solution.