HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-82 Residential Neighborhood Committee mmttirt Erpor2
In the (Qnmmnn counrII of tllr (Mg of fyindli brad: Residential Neighborhood Committee
The. September 7,. 1982 meeting of the Residential Neighborhhods Committee
at 4: 30 by its Chairman, Councilman Beverlie J. Beck in the Council Meeting
Room.
. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Beck, Taylor, Harris ,
and Voorde.; John Leszczynski, Ralph Wadinski, John Ford, David Albert, Edward
Levin, Claire Levin, Don Larimore, Don Judy, Leo T. Gilson, Larry Tebelak,
Joe Rappelli, Mary Rappelli, Leann Rappelli, Rev. Harold J. Sommer, S .J. ,
Gerald Vasil, Marchmont Kovas , and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
The purpose of the meeting was to review Bill No. 95-82 which has been
set for public hearing onSeptember. 13th. This Bill would vacate certain
streets and alleys near the St. Joseph Hospital.
Following an introduction of all persons in attendance, Councilman Beck
asked Mr. John Ford the attorney for the hospital and Mr. Don Larimore
to briefly review why the streets and alleys should be vacated. Mr. Larimore
reviewed the proposed design and diagrams with -the Committee. He stated that
the hospital had a three-phase expansion program. Presently the expansion
of the 1958 building for an estimated $5, 000 , 000 would extend the hospital
to Madison Street. Approximately 1,300 people cross Madison Street daily
between the hours of 6: 00 a.m. to 9: 00 p .m. The hospital has agreed to a
permanent easement to assist in loading and unloading. With the closing
of Madison Street approximately 1,400 cars would be increased onto LaSalle
Avenue for a projected 10% increase . The hospital has proposed that the
traffic not be re-routed until July of 1983 when the Colfax Bridge would be
completed. The hospital spokesman also pointed out that with the proposed
closing that the Committee should be aware that the new parking area would
add 300 spaces, plus there was additional parking on Cedar Street and
Notre Dame Avenue.
John Leszczynski., Chairman of the Board of Public Works, was then called
upon to give a report. He explained that in addition to the meetings with
the Board that they had met at the hospital . The Board of Public Works gave
a favorable recommendation subject to easement rights behind Scanlon Electric
for loading and unloading service trucks .
Ralph Wadinski, Traffic Engineer was then called upon to outline the
procedure regarding traffic signalization. He stated that the re-routing of
traffic "may" require signalization at such time when the traffic counts
warrant it . The cost would range between $30-40,000 .
The Committee then heard from the various remonstrators present which
represented Western and Southern Insurance Company, United Consumers ,
Scanlon Electric,Giuseppe 's Restaurant . Father Sommers also raised several
questions including whether the hospital ever considered under or overhead
pedestrian tunnels . Mr. Levin questioned why he should have to give up off-
street parking. Several individuals voiced concern over what they considered
to •be a high traffic accident area.
The Committee then discussed whether the hospital would participate
in the cost of signalization if it was warranted. Mr. Leszczynski stated that
the cost to the hospital may run as high as 100%.
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Residential Neighborhood Committee
Mr. Don Larimore of St. Joseph Hospital again reinterated that the
proposed project has been in the works for 18 months. The cost of a parking
garage would be four times greater than the cost of ground level parking.
He believes that the long range plan of the hospital has enhanced the
surrounding area. He basically sees the expansion project as an investment
in the hospital and health care of the neighborhood and the community.
He did not see the hospital expansion as a detriment to the surrounding area.
Several Councilmen voiced concerns about on-street parking. Mr. Leszczynsk
stated that there were no definite plans at this time however he desired to
leave as much parking as possible.
Councilman Taylor believed that the concerns of the hospital and the
remonstrators were well taken. He said similiar concerns had been voiced
during past projects from the Miami businessmen. He thought that the hospital
was attempting to meet the concerns of the surrounding neighborhood.
Following further discussion by the Committee a motion was made by
Councilman Taylor seconded by Councilman Beck that Bill No . 95-82 be
recommended favorably to Council; that on-street parking be preserved as much
as possible on St. Peter and LaSalle streets , and that the hospital be
required to pay for all or part of any traffic signalization if one becomes
warranted. The Motion passed 3-0.
There being no further business to come before the Committee the meeting
was adjourned at 5: 30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Beverlie J. Beck, Chairman
Residential Neighborhoods Committee