HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-14-17 Public Works and Property Vacation O�,0U T11
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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
KAREEMAH FOWLER,CITY CLERK
PUBLIC WORKS & PROPERTY VACATION AUGUST 14, 2017 3:30 P.M.
Committee Members Present: John Voorde, Randy Kelly, Gavin Ferlic
Committee Members Absent: Jo M. Broden
Other Council Present: Karen White, Dr. David Varner, Tim Scott, Regina
Williams-Preston, Oliver Davis
Other Council Absent: None
Others Present: Kareemah Fowler, Bob Palmer, Graham Sparks
Presenters: Megan Edmonson
Agenda: Bill No. 45-17- Edmondson Alley Vacation
Committee Chair John Voorde called to order the Public Works and Property Vacation
Committee meeting at 3:30 p.m. He introduced members of the committee and proceeded to give
the floor to the presenters for the legislation.
Bill No. 45-17-Edmondson Alley Vacation
Megan Edmonson, 1102 W. Jefferson Boulevard, stated, We also own 1042 and 1035 West
Jefferson Boulevard. The home owner near the alley has written in support of this proposal. If
this were to get approved,there are nearby north/south rights-of-way six hundred(600) feet west
and east of the alley, so no one really needs it as a drive through. She then expanded upon details
with supporting pictures from the presentation (available in the Office of the City Clerk). She
continued, The Engineering Department has signed off on this proposal as well. We plan to
move the foundation of our house over to the lot next door, and create a lifted-bed garden on the
old parcel. We have planted twenty-two (22)trees and have beautified the area to create a park
area for the local kids in the neighborhood. A long-term goal of ours is to create pedestrian
walking access to the Civil Rights Heritage Center. Right now,the alley has no traffic
indications and it is very dangerous for children to be crossing the alley. Also, the telephone pole
is at the end of the alley and we've spoken to the company, the vacation will not limit their
access.
455 County-City Building•227 W.Jefferson Boulevard•South Bend,Indiana 46601
Phone 574-235-9221 •Fax 574-235-9173•TDD 574-235-5567•www.SouthBend[N.gov
JENNIFER M.COFFMAN ALKEYNA M.ALDRIDGE JOSEPH MOLNAR
CHIEF DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF DEPUTY/DIRECTOR OF POLICY ORDINANCE VIOLATION CLERK
OPERATIONS
Committee Chair Voorde opened the floor to questions from the Committee and Council
members. There were none. He then opened the floor to members of the public wishing to speak
in favor of or in opposition to the legislation.
Maurice McGee, 3525 S. Michigan Street, stated, My grandmother lives directly behind the
Edmonson's at 1101 West Thomas Street and I lived there for twenty-one (2 1) years. I also lived
across the street from them for six (6)years. I've been intimately involved in trying to make this
happen for years. The biggest benefit is that it is a neighborhood area that people can gather in.
The local kids will benefit the most and this is a great neighborhood.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Committee Chair Voorde turned the floor
back to the Committee and Councilmembers for further comments.
Councilmember Scott stated, Thank you for your presentation. You might want to look into
making the garage that remains on the vacant lot look more like a house. There was an instance
like this that the Council handled not too long ago that was very similar. The petitioner made the
garage look more like a house and it really added a cool element to it all.
Councilmember Karen White stated, Thank you for all your efforts and work. This neighborhood
is better because of this and we appreciate you all taking this on.
Councilmember Regina Williams-Preston stated,I think any time a resident takes it upon
themselves to invest so much time and money into projects like these, they should be rewarded
by allowing things like this.
Committeemember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to send Bill No. 45-17 to the full Council with a
favorable recommendation. This motion was seconded by Committeemember Randy Kelly
which carried unanimously by a voice vote of three (3) ayes.
With no other business, Committee Chair Voorde adjourned the Public Works and Property
Vacation Committee meeting at 3:43 p.m.
Respectfully Submitt d,
John Voorde, Committee Chair
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