HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-26-17 Public Works and Property Vacation Sp10 T11
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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
KAREEMAH FOWLER,CITY CLERK
PUBLIC WORKS &PROPERTY VACATION JUNE 26, 2017 4:13 P.M.
Committee Members Present: John Voorde, Jo M. Broden
Committee Members Absent: Randy Kelly, Gavin Ferlic
Other Council Present: Karen White, Tim Scott, Regina Williams-Preston, Oliver
Davis
Other Council Absent: Dr. David Varner
Others Present: Kareemah Fowler, Graham Sparks, Bob Palmer, Aladean
DeRose
Presenters: Karen Gindele
Agenda: Bill No. 35-17- Alley Vacation at Park Avenue between
Manitou and Riverside
Committee Chair John Voorde called to order the Public Works and Property Vacation
Committee meeting at 4:13 p.m. He introduced members of the committee and recognized there
was no quorum, rendering the Committee incapable of committing to action on any item on the
agenda. He then gave the floor to the presenter.
Bill No 35-17-Alley Vacation at Park Avenue between Manitou and Riverside
Karen Gindele, 831 Park Avenue, stated, The main reason I am seeking this vacation of the alley
is my worry about cars that come very close to my house. They are within six (6) feet of my
living room. I am also concerned about what happens in the winter with cars sliding. I've even
helped shovel someone out when they were stuck. The turning radius is sharp. I have talked to
many other neighbors and I have also received a favorable recommendation from the Board of
Public Works.
Committee Chair Voorde then opened the floor to questions or comments from the Committee or
Council members.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated, It is interesting because on first sight it looks
narrow, but there is quite a bit of overgrowth that makes it narrower than it really is.
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Ms. Gindele replied, My neighbor Dave Faulkner has a stone retaining wall that the overgrowth
grows over.
Committee Chair Voorde restated the overgrowth issue and inquired about the possibility of
cutting it back to the wall.
Ms. Gindele stated,No one has hit my house yet to my knowledge. My main concern is the
winter, as well as security. My neighbor has had break-ins and luckily I have not, but I think
closing this alley may help the security.
Committee Chair Voorde stated, There is a garage that opens to the alley. While it doesn't appear
to be used now, what if somebody wanted to, in the future, use it?
Ms. Gindele replied, That neighbor has plans for that and we have talked about that. If we get
this permission to close the alley, we would ask for there to be a post at either end for no through
traffic, but the post would be short of his garage so he could get out. He definitely wants access
to his garage.
Councilmember Williams-Preston asked, How frequently is the alley used by non-neighbors?
Ms. Gindele replied, One (1)neighbor uses it a lot. Otherwise, the other nearby neighborhoods
do not use it often. It used to get more traffic but because of the overgrowth, my end gets the
most of it. It isn't regular traffic but certainly enough to make it worrisome.
Committeemember Jo M. Broden asked, How many total garages open up on to the alley?
Ms. Gindele replied, Just the one (1)we previously were talking about.
Committee Chair Voorde opened the floor to members of the public wishing to speak in favor of
or in opposition to the legislation.
Marty Wolfson, 809 Park Avenue, stated, I've lived at my address for twenty-seven(27) years
and I've used the alley most of the time. I use the alley for the convenience and to save time. My
only exit from my garage is to go north. If this were to be closed, it would be an inconvenience
for me. I have not yet hit her house and have not come close. I do appreciate the concerns and
she and I have had conversations, but we couldn't reach an agreement.
Committee Chair Voorde turned the floor back to the Committee for further discussion or main
motions.
Councilmember Tim Scott stated, I hope we can get to an agreement that works out for
everybody. He then proceeded to engage in dialogue with Mr. Wolfson about possible alternative
routes.
Committee Chair Voorde reminded the Committee of the lack of quorum, therefore Bill No. 35-
17 was sent through to the full Council with no recommendation. With no further business,
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Committee Chair Voorde adjourned the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
meeting at 4:32 p.m.
Respe t Submitted
John oorde, Committee Chair