06/20/88 Board of Public Works Minutes

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F• REGULAR MEETING JUNE 20, 1988 Ms. Humphreys, seconded by Mrs. DeClercq and carried, the Project Completion Affidavit as submitted was approved and the appropriate three-year Maintenance Bond as submitted was filed. DENY REQUEST TO CLOSE THE 700-800 BLOCKS OF SYLVAN LANE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY - JULY 4, 1988 Mrs. DeClercq informed those present that the Board is in receipt of a request to close the 700-800 blocks of Sylvan Lane for a neighborhood block party on July 4, 1988. She further advised that this request was before the Board at its meeting held on June 13, 1988 and she made a motion at that time that the request be tabled for further review by the Board. Mrs. DeClercq informed those present that she has reviewed this request and has driven through the 700-800 blocks of Sylvan Lane. At this time, Mrs. DeClercq asked if there was anyone present wishing to address the Board concerning this matter. Mrs. Joseph D'Angelo, 804 Sylvan Lane, South Bend, Indiana, was present and submitted to the Board the names of seven (7) residents of Sylvan Lane that are opposed to the closing of the street on July 4, 1988. She reiterated her comments of last week, that she, as well as others, are oppossed to the closing of the street as requested. Mr. James Stypczynski, 2501 West Huron Street, South Bend, Indiana, advised the Board that he also is against the closing of the street. He informed the Board that on the 4th of July last year, fireworks were thrown at his moving vehicle. When he stopped to question who threw the fireworks at his car, he was approached by Mr. Randy Ritschard and two (2) other men and was told to leave. He stated that this incident left him very upset and therefore he is opposed to the closing of the street this year for the block party. Ms. Diane Bilinski, 720 Lombardy, South Bend, Indiana, Petitioner, was present and stated that she has talked to several of the neighbors and they are not going to have any illegal fireworks this year. Mr. Stopczynski advised that illegal fireworks were used last year and it is impossible to say that they will not be purchased by someone in the neighborhood again this year. Mrs. D'Angelo informed the Board that Police Chief Charles Hurley has been notified of this event and will be monitoring calls. Mrs. DeClercq addressed those present and indicated that the Board deals with block party requests on a regular basis. The Board's view of what constitutes a block party, however, is just that, residents of a neighborhood getting together for a picnic or potluck and closing the street in order that they can cross back and forth and for the safety of the chidlren in the neighborhood. Seldom does the Board have a remonstrance indicating that some residents are not in favor of the street closing for a neighborhood block party. In light of the comments made regarding this proposed street closing, Mrs. DeClercq stated that she cannot support the closing of the street. Therefore, due to the fact that there is disagreement among the neighbors, upon a motion made by Mrs. Declercq, seconded by Ms. Hyumphreys and carried, the request to close the 700-800 blocks of Sylvan Lane on July 4, 1988, for a neighborhood block party was denied. APPROVE RECOMMENDATION TO REQUEST APPROVAL FROM THE STATE TO CLOSE RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR ETHNIC FESTIVAL PARADE Mrs. DeClercq advised that Mr. Michael P. Meeks, Director, Division of Engineering, submitted to the Board a State of Indiana form which is necessary for the closing of S.R. 23 for