HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-08 Public Works and Property Vacation CommitteePUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY VACATION SEPTEMBER 8, 2008
Committee Members Present: David Varner, Derek D. Dieter, (Tom LaFountain came in at 3:25
and was able to vote on Bill 50-08)
Councilmember's Present: Timothy A. Rouse, Karen White, Ann Puzzello
Others Present: Rita Kopala, Jamie Loo, Gary Gilot, Mayor Stephen Luecke, Tim Hudak,
Catherine Fanello, Derek Spier, Jennifer Laurent, Marty Wolfson, Marco Mariani, Jim Bognar,
Catherine Andres, John Leszczynski, Bob Mathia, Jitin Kain, Paul Meyer, John Tarwacki, Greg
Conrad, Linda LaMont, Tom Price, Mark Smith
Councilmember David Varner, Chairperson, Public Works and Property Vacation Committee
called the meeting to order at 3:20 p.m.
BILL NO.49-08 VACATION REQUEST OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY & INGRESSIEGRESS
EASEMENT
Derek Spier, Planner, Abonmarche Consultants, LLC, 750 Lincolnway East, South Bend, Indiana,
made the presentation on this bill on behalf of the petitioner the City of South Bend Department of
Community and Economic Development.
Mr. Spier advised that the- Department of Community of Economic Development is in the process
of redeveloping Lots, 38, 39, and 40 in the Original Plat to the City of South Bend lying
contiguous to the proposed vacated right-of-way and ingress/egress easement into a hotel and
parking facility. The vacated real estate is needed for the planned development of said lots. The
City Board of Public Works considered and approved both the vacation and easement releases
within these public rights-of-way at their July 28, 2008 meeting.
Jennifer Laurent, Division of Economic Development, 12th Floor County-City Building, 227 W.
Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill.
Ms. Laurent stated that this vacation will make an enormous impact on the development of the
proposed hotel and parking garage. She urged the Council's favorable recommendation.
There being no one else wishing to speak in favor or opposed to the bill.
Chairperson, David Varner stated that due to the lack of a quorum, this bill will go to the full
Council with no recommendation.
BILL NO.50-08 ALLEY VACATION - DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD FROM W.
WASHINGTON ST.
James E. Bognar, Petitioner, 807 W. Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana, made the
presentation for this bill.
Mr. Bognar advised that the alley in question is exactly 8 foot wide and was created by the Board
of Public Works 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 too narrow for public service vehicles (Ambulance, Fire, and Solid
Waste) and the connection at the junction of east/west north/south point is not a "true plus"
design. The alley is a safety hazard for children as that auto that can use the alley cannot see
pedestrians on foot. Mr. Bognar stated that he met with Assistant Chief Federico Rodriguez to
review his concerns with the vacation of this alley. Mr. Bognar advised that the alley in question
is surrounded by open area, a grass lot on one side where a fire hydrant is located and a parking
lot on the other. He stated that in the unfortunate event that emergency personnel were called to
react to a fire, equipment would have ample access to both space and direct hose line.
There was no one present wishing to speak in favor or opposed to this bill.
Councilmember Dieter made a motion to recommend this bill favorably to the full Council, subject
to an access easement agreement. Councilmember LaFountain seconded the motion, which
carried.
There being no further business to come before the committee, Councilmember David Varner,
Chairperson, adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
~~o~.
David Varner, Vice-Chairperson
Public Works and Property Vacation Committee