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Public Works and Property Vacation Committee <br /> April 23, 2001 <br /> Page 2 <br /> the structure may be so foreboding that he would prefer a development which is neighborly in <br /> design. <br /> Charles Howell of 1118 Dewey then addressed the Committee. He stated that he believes the city <br /> is caught in a "business rumble between drug stores", and believes that vacating the alleys would <br /> turn everything into a circus. He cited Aldi's leaving the area, and stated that the Northeast <br /> Neighborhood has been developing plans for the area. He noted that Council Member King has <br /> worked closely with the neighbors and the neighborhood groups and believes that a market study <br /> should betaken before the alleys are considered to be closed. <br /> Kimberly Mentor of NNRO stated that on May 1st a Master Planner will be on board to study the <br /> area. She stated that it would be premature to close the alleys without a master plan in place that <br /> has had neighborhood input to determine what is the best development for the area. <br /> Timothy Rouse, an NNRO Board Member, stated that he believes a master plan should be <br /> completed first before any alleys are closed. <br /> Mr. Lou Nani of the University of Notre Dame stated that he is also a member of NNRO which <br /> consists of fourteen (14) members, of which seven (7) are residents of the area and seven (7) <br /> represent organizations in the area. Since a Master Planner will soon be developing an overall plan <br /> for the area and in light of the concerns raised about Mr. Friedline's previous track record and <br /> failure to provide any plan for the area in question, he believes that closing any alleys may prove to <br /> be detrimental to future development. Mr. Nani stated that he sees the opportunity for development <br /> and private sector investment which would build esteem and compliment residential living. <br /> Rebecca Goodorf of St. Joseph Hospital noted that investment of $ 50,000 for the next five (5) <br /> years has been pledged to the area. She sees the alley vacation request as being premature and <br /> detrimental to overall development of the area. <br /> Jennifer Mielke noted that no site plan has been provided to date and that in light of the traffic <br /> problems already in the neighborhood that ingress and egress would have to be carefully studied <br /> for new developments. Designs should be resident oriented in design. <br /> Kim Metzger of Madison Center stated that the neighborhood needs to be preserved and that the <br /> alley vacation was premature. <br /> There being no other persons to speak opposed, Council Member Varner than asked for remarks <br /> from the District Council Member Karl King. <br /> Council Member King noted that at the April 9th Committee meeting a number of key items were <br /> highlighted that had to be addressed by the petitioner. He noted that he had discussed these items <br /> with Mr. Friedline and Mr. Hosinski and stressed that they had to be addressed prior to today's <br /> meeting. <br /> Mr. John Hosinski stated that he could address all of Council Member King's concerns. He stated <br /> that the Board of Public Works had approved a cross-easement and that it had been recorded. He <br /> then provided a site plan to the Committee (copy attached). Mr. Hosinski stated that Mr. Harris' <br /> concerns had been discussed and that he believes that adequate solutions have been proposed. He <br /> then circulated pictures of Mr. Harris' business property which were not provided as part of the <br />