HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-22-03 Public Works & Property Vacation Cotttmittoe tont
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The September 22, 2003 meeting of the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee was
called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member David Varner at 4:45 p.m. in the Council
Informal Meeting Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Varner, Coleman, Kelly, King,
Pfeifer, and Kuspa, Jack Kendall, Michael Danch, City Engineer Carl Littrell, and Kathleen
Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney.
Dr. Varner called for a presentation on Bill No. 70-03 which is a request to vacate the first
north/south alley east of Catalpa Avenue from Indiana Avenue north to the first east/west alley for a
distance of 120 feet and a width of 14 feet, all of which is within Raff's 3rd Addition to the City of
South Bend.
Mr. Jack Kendall of 809 West Indiana Avenue noted that he and his wife own lots 50 and 51
which are located on both sides of the alley. They hope to use the area as a play area initially for
their children and eventually build a new garage, noting that their vehicles have been damage when
struck when parked on the street.
Dr. Varner noted that the Board of Public Works sent a favorable recommendation to the Council
as evidenced by their letter and report dated September 3,2003 (copy attached).
City Engineer Carl Littrell stated that the vacation would result in a "T" alley and there may be a
concern for utility trucks carrying large poles. He suggested that a 10' setback for vehicle turning
be considered to address this concern.
Council Member Coleman suggested that the ordinance be amended to include this condition which
the petitioner verbally agreed to, and directed the Council Attorney to prepare the necessary
amendment to the ordinance for this evening's Council meeting.
Council Member Aranowski made a motion, seconded by Council Member King that Bill No. 70-
03 as to be amended be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.
Dr. Varner then called for a presentation on Bill No. 7403 which is a request to vacate a portion of
Circle Avenue from the Norfolk and Wester Railroad right-of-way to the south right-of-way line of
Washington Avenue for a distance of 770', and a portion of Circle Avenue from the Penn Central
right-of-way to the north/south portion of Circle Avenue. Dr. Varner noted that the request comes
with a favorable recommendation from the Board of Public Works as set forth in their letter of
September 5, 2003; however Community & Economic Development raised questions because of
the potential negative effects on the West Washington neighborhood due to noise. The report also
noted that Area Plan believes the vacation would hinder access.
Mr. Michael Danch provided a map(copy attached) of the area in question. He noted that all three
(3) owners have signed the petitioner for the requested vacation.
Council Member Pfeifer inquired whether Mr. Battest had been contacted since he had contacted
her and voiced opposition to the proposed vacation. She also inquired whether the petitioner had
met with the neighborhood organization, noting that they are nervous about the proposed vacation
and that she could not support it at this time.
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Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
September 22, 2003
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�4 Mr. Danch stated that they had contacted Mr. Battest and as a result of that contact deleted their
iI request to vacate Grant Street. He noted that Mr. Battest operates a mini-warehouse in the area.
Mr. Danch stated that there would be no increase in traffic then what there is now. He further
_, noted that they have not met with the neighborhood association. He inquired if they were
concerned about the proposed use change which is pending before the Area Plan Commission.
Council Member Pfeifer stated that she wants the petitioner to attend the neighborhood association
,,, meeting and address their concerns directly. She noted that they meet on the 4th Tuesday of every
month at 7 p,m,at the church on the corner of Colfax and LaPorte.
Council Member King noted that the next Area Plan Commission meeting will take place on
October 21st.
t
Council Member Coleman suggested that the
gg petitioner attend the neighborhood association
meeting which will be held Tuesday night.
Mr. Danch indicated that he would contact his client to see if they could attend the next
neighborhood association meeting. He then requested that the Bill be continued until the October
1 13th Council meeting.ti
Il
Council Member King made a motion, seconded by Council Member Aranowski that Bill No. 74-
03 be continued until the October 13th meeting, at the request of the petitioner. The motion
Ipassed.
There being no further business to come before the Committee, Dr. Varner adjourned the meeting
at 5:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
I
Council Member David Varner, Chairperson
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
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Attachments
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