05-27-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING MAY 27, 2008 in the cross access agreement paragraph five of that agreement also sets forth that conditional language. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. William Burns, 1045 Riverside Drive, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is the renter of 1045 Riverside Drive. Mr. Burns advised that he is concerned for the safety and security of his family. He urged the Council to vote favorably on this bill. Ms. Mary Ellen Wilber, 1045 Riverside Drive, South Bend, Indiana, advised that she is the owner of 1045 Riverside Drive. Ms. Wilber stated that she has no objections to closing the alley and believes that it will restore the safety and security issues that her renter is now facing. She asked the Council for their favorable consideration. The following individuals spoke in opposition to this bill. Ms. Theresa Heamon Roper, 1026 Woodward Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that her driveway is part of the alley. She advised that she drives down the alley everyday. She stated that she can back out of her driveway, but the easiest way is back out of her garage and then pull forward and go strait out past Mr. Neises house. She stated that she has lived in this home for over 20 years and has always used this way to exit out of her driveway. She stated that there are several neighbors here tonight that also oppose the closing of this alley. Ms. Roper stated that the alley goes into Shetterly Park, and a lot of neighbors like to be able to walk to the park. She stated that she is not aware of any problem with crime or vandalism. Mr. Roper submitted pictures to the Office of the City Clerk showing her driveway and the alley in question. She urged the Council to vote against the closing of this alley. Ms. Jackie Smith, 1037 Riverside Drive, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she uses this alley quite frequently, both in her car, riding her bike, and walking her dogs. She stated that she has not seen a crime problem in that particular alley. She stated that she uses this alley all hours of the day. The majority of the neighbors would like to see this alley kept open. She stated that there is a fire hydrant located directly across from the alley that is being petitioned to vacate. Ms. Smith stated that is the only fire hydrant on the block to get water from in case of a fire in a neighbors back yard, the fire department would need access to that fire hydrant. She stated that the alley should remain open and urged the Council for vote against this bill. Ms. Joseph Taschetta, 1029 Riverside Drive, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he and his wife Rolanda Hughes are here tonight to express their concerns on not closing the alley. Because of the length of Riverside Drive, it being one of the longest streets in South Bend, closing even just part of the alley would take additional fuel and time. Mr. Taschetta stated that he rides his bikes and walks through that alley at least six times a week. Closing the alley would be hardship on all residents in the area. This alley would be the easiest and closest way for the Fire Department to bring water to the back of the properties for most of the mid section of the block. This is a good safe alley that should be maintained as public property for public use. Alleys are pedestrian friendly and an important part of a healthy urban environment, walking and biking are more important than ever before, both for the sake of the health and recreation and as a reflection of responsible use of resources. He stated that he bikes a lot to the grocery, post office, library, etc., and rely on the alley and other alleys. Closed alleys often make trips longer, more difficult and dangerous. He stated that they have not experienced any crime in the alley and feel that it is important that the City leave the alley open and strongly urge the Council to oppose this unnecessary alley closure. Ms. Rolanda Hughes, 1029 Riverside Drive, South Bend, Indiana, she can sympathize with why some people who live next to an alley would like to petition to close the alley, however, it really is an important access point for those whose live on the street also. Ms. Hughes stated that she lives four houses down from the alley in question. She stated that she uses this alley quite frequently. Ms. Hughes noted that those residents that live on Riverside have parking on only one side. So parking in the back for residents is a must 3