10-27-08 Council Meeting Agenda & Packet

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��.ax x..:.u,.....,..«.... .. :...wnx.xMTw..w.n T! S j VI �� NAR A E *Accounting / Payroll Services * Income Tax Preparation 807 West Washington Street • South Bend, Indiana • 46601 -1438 r Phone: (574) 233 -6191 Fax: (574) 232-9655 Monday, June 23, 2008 City of South Bend Board of Public Works 1316 County -City Building 227 W Jefferson Blvd South Bend IN 46601 -1830 RE: Board Meeting of Monday, June 23, 2008 Recommendations, Section 9, Point H "Alley Vacation -First North /Soutli Allev East of LaPorte Avenue Nortli from Washington Street to the first East/West Alley between LaPorte Avenue and Chapin Street." Dear Board-of Public Works: I wish to express my appreciation to the Board for placing this issue on your agenda. As the petitioner it is important to provide timely and accurate information regarding this request. I believe that all parties involved in this matter need to be frilly vetted. I do not take this request lightly. The alley in question is exactly 8 foot wide and was created by this Board on January 9, 1923 (Condemnation Resolution No. 70). The purpose of this alley was to provide connection with other alleys to allow city children a path to Colfax School on Lincoln Way West. The alley is to narrow for public service vehicles (Ambulance, Fire, and Solid Waste) and the connection at the junction of cast/west north/south point is not a "true phis" design. The alley is a safety hazard for children as those autos that can use the alley cannot see pedestrians on foot. Several weeks ago I was made aware of concerns the South Bend Fire Department had with the vacation issue.-I was not present when the Fire Depaihnent preformed their preliminary review on April 2, 2008. Upon studying the document I contacted the Fire Department and requested that we have a meeting to review their comments and reconunendations. On Thursday, June 12, 2008 I met with the Fire Department representative, Assistant Chief Federico Rodriguez to review his concerns. He focused on issues relating to struchlres that are setback from the street and possible limitations with fire hydrants. I am concerned that the Board of Public Works may be uncomfortable with this matter because of the Fire Department's concerns. I believe it is important that the Board make a positive recommendation on this matter and that there are always ways to improve an original request.