06/05/1978 Board of Public Works Minutes

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141 REGULAR MEETING JUNE 5, 1978 VACATION RESOLUTION NO. 3456 CONFIRMED The public hearing on Vacation Resolution No. 3456 for the vacation of the east -west alley between Wayne and Jefferson, running west from Lafayette to the first north - south alley was continued until this date. Mr. McMahon noted that the Board had requested a report from Captain William Shaffer of the Fire Department regarding Mr. James Nafe's claim that fire protection to the rear of his building would be hindered by the alley vacation. Captain Shaffer noted that he made a field inspection and measurements in the area of the Indiana Club building with regard to available fire hydrants. There are six hydrants in the area - the corner of Jefferson and Lafayette, Jefferson and Franklin, Jefferson and Williams, Wayne and Western, Wayne and Franklin and Wayne and Lafayette. He said the hydrant located at the entrance of the alley in question and Lafayette Street is the closest one to the rear of the Indiana Club building. However, there are two other hydrants available to the Fire Department at Jefferson and Williams and Franklin and Wayne. Captain Shaffer said he discussed this matter with B/C Edward Szymkowiak of the Fire Inspection Bureau and Assistant Chief Carl Zwierzyynski, Drillmaster, and it was the consensus of opinion that the vacation of this alley will in no way affect the operation of the Fire Department adversely. He also noted that the Department responds to any call in the downtown area with four pumpers, two to the front and two to the side. The Department could provide adequate protection if the alley is closed. James Nafe, owner of the building at 320 W. Jefferson, said he had alluded to an insurance problem last week and said his insurance agent has indicated that there will be an .adverse effect on the underwriting of his insurance. Mr. Nafe submitted a letter from his insurance agent which was filed with the Board. He then pointed out that this is a used alley. He said his building is 198 feet long. He said if a fire occurred in the front of the building, there is a hydrant across the street. The other hydrants are some several hundred feet from the rear of the building. He said Gurley -Leep frequently has vehicles parked in the back, some on private property and there has been some difficulty getting access to the rear service door on his building. He said closing this alley would increase traffic on the other thoroughfares. Mr. Nafe said the vacation would cause a substantial detriment to the public and to his building and he wished to repeat his previously stated objections to the vacation. Michael Leep of Gurley -Leep Buick was present and said they would be willing to pay the cost of installing a new fire hydrant at the back of the building. It would also benefit Gurley -Leep. He said Gurley - Leep's building adjacent to the alley is presently vacant and being used for storage. They plan to use this space and staff it and it will be an improvement to the downtown. Mr. Leep said they want to be good neighbors and would see that the north -south alley is not blocked. They are also willing to dedicate enough right -of -way to provide a turning radius into the north -south alley. Mr. Leep was asked where construction would take place if the alley is vacated and he said on the first forty feet from Lafayette Street. Mr. McMahon then asked Mr. Leep if he was agreeing to pay the cost of installation of a fire hydrant in the alley and providing a turning radius and Mr. Leep said he was. Mr. McMahon made a motion to confirm Vacation Resolution No. 3456, subject to the installation of a new fire hydrant at the alley intersection and to the dedication of the necessary right -of -way, as determined by the Department of Public Works, for the turning radius. Mr. Mullen seconded the motion and it carried.