04-23-73 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 23, 1973 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) and the first one was the reason for the improvement. He mentioned that he had discussed this with Mr. Richardson and was informed that the reason was because an increase in traffic was anticipated. He mentioned that this was based on the plan for 1990 and he did not feel this was very reliable because by 1990, this case might not be necessarily true. He mentioned that, according to the 1970 census, the population of South Bend had decreased. He felt that the pro- posed final construction of the Scottsdale Mall on Ireland Road was a reason for the street widening, and he mentioned that the developers of the Mall are private developers and knew exactly what type of situation they were getting into with the construction. He felt the city would be enhancing their ability to attract customers and make the area more accessible, and he brought up the fact that the city was spending a great deal of money on improving the downtown area. He felt the city should continue to concentrate in the downtown area and not spend this money to help its competitors. He indicated that Ironwood was not the only main arterial, and he mentioned Michigan, Main and Locust Road. He also mentioned that this appropriation for the pro- ject was only partial. Mr. Olson's second point was the cost of construction. He understood that Ireland would be widened and extended and covered with blacktop and going North on Ironwood, the entire road would be redone. He felt this would be extremely expensive and he did not know what the total cost of the project would be. He felt that two or three million dollars might possibly be spent on the second phase of the project. His third point had to do with who the road was for. He felt the road was designed to attract people from Mishawaka and the eastern portion of the county and he did not think this was very practical or fair. He indicated that the Council was trying to give the people something that they did not want. His fourth point was the effect the street widening would have on the existing neighborhood. He felt this was very important and people become very emotional when it comes to their homes. He indicated that, many times, these projects are proposed because progress must be made; however, he felt it was getting to the point that progress was being re- defined. He quoted Webster's Dictionary on the meaning of the word "progress ". He indicated that the project involved the changing of a two -lane road to four lanes with a divider strip and lighting. He indicated that progress does not stop with engineering or scientific approaches. He felt some improvement was needed; however, this was not the answer. He mentioned that right -of -ways would be needed, hills would be dug up and trees cut. The speed limi would be increased, parking would be restricted, and there would be sidewalks on one side of the street. There would also be an increase in the noise and air pollution and in some instances, the right -of -way would come to within 15 feet of the homes. He indicated that the reason for this roadway was to improve the traffic conditions, and he wondered if this was the case. When the four -land road stopped at Ewing, it would again narrow down to two lanes and the same problems would be encountered. He indicated that the residents in this area did not request the widening and were willing to live with the problem. He indicated that there have been petitions filed in this matter and presented to the Board of Public Works. He indicated that he would like to pre- sent and file a copy of the petition with the City Clerk, containing 382 names. He did mention that there were petitions filed in favor of the project which contained 228 petitioners, none of whom lived on Ironwood. Mr. Olson did not think the reason for the project was a good one. He felt the city was working against itself as the project will destroy the neighborhood and the traffic problem would not be solved. He indicated that the people in the area were very much opposed to the project, and the cost of the project was fantastic when the amount of roadway being put in was considered. He urged that the ordinance in its present form be defeated or tabled by the Council. Mr. Richardson indicated that, going back to maps in 1922, there was need for improvement. He indicated that projections in the future were a matter of professional guesstimating. He indicate, that there was no answer to the transportation problem in the community. He cited an incident in West Virginia where a great deal of money had been expended for improvement of transportation. He mentioned that the Scottsdale Mall is accellerating the problem; however, he indicated that the city waited when the Town and Country Shopping Center was constructed and now much money would have to be spent on improving the situation. He mentioned that Ironwood does not only serve the eastern portion of the county and Mishawaka because the city's boundaries are constantly expanding He indicated that the cost of the project would very definitely increase if there was a delay in construction of the project. He also mentioned that the cost of the flood control was also included in the project. He indicated that the city is also in the process of spending several more million dollars with storm retention basins. He felt the effect on the area would be felt as there is always an effect on an area when improvements are put in. He indicated that this widening is not to be construed as a freeway in any shape or form because a freeway has fully controlled access. He indicated that, originally proposed was a five -lane concept; however, at the citizens' request, the fifth lane was removed. As far as the houses being so close to the right -of -way line, Mr. Richardson indicated that there are perhaps three houses between Altgeld and Ewing built before 1930 that are 20 feet from the right -of -way and in that subdivision a 40- foot right -of -way was dedicated. He indicated that, today, there is 25 feet allowed from the right -of -way line. He admitted that these few houses would be fairly close to the new facility but would only be five feet less than the usual standard. He felt there would be no problem of having any house too close to the right -of -way. Councilman Taylor indicated that this project was in his district and he was.concerned about it. As far as the total project was concerned, Councilman Taylor indicated that he did have some reservations. He mentioned that only one phase of the project was being considered at this time. He felt that most of the people were opposed to the fact that once the project is started, the rest will happen in a matter of time. He also felt that this particular project would not have much effect on anyone in the Council Chambers. He apologized to some of the residents in the area because he had thought that the four lanes would end at the church and this was not the case. He also indicated that none of the residents living along. Ironwood contacted him about the pro- posed construction of the project. He expressed his agreement in relation-to the retention basin. He felt that one thing he would have to agree with the residents on was the fact that there would be a bottleneck being created on Ewing. He saw nothing wrong with this particular project being proposed; however, he did have some reservations in the remaining phase of the project and the overall project.. He indicated that, although he would be in favor of this particular phase being discussed, until the administration could provide a solution for the Penn Railroad track crossing, he would not recommend that this be considered on a four -lane project. Councilman Miller made a motion that the ordinance go to the Council as favorable, seconded by Councilman Horvath. The motion carried.