05-08-17 Public Works and Property Vacation

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gravel alley. We would make it a driveway by paving it. Right now, no one maintains it so it is full of pot-holes and water. No one uses it anymore, including utilities. It is extremely close to the house. We have a tenant that parks in the back. We would be putting a chain-link fence and a gate, and possibly plant some vines on it. There is a manhole in the back that is used by AEP every once in a while but they always have access from the other side. I also have a letter from the company next to us that is giving full support of our proposed vacation. In 2004 we tried to do this and it was approved, but the company did not have their own access. Now they do have their own access and they say it's fine. Our goal is to pave it and make it our driveway. We think this would make the area beautiful. Committee Chair Voorde asked,Normally when an alley is vacated, half goes to one property and the other half to the other. You're taking it all? Mr. Baumgartner confirmed he is taking it all. Committeemember Randy Kelly arrived at the meeting at 4:08 p.m. Councilmember White noted the difficulty in recommending this bill without someone from Community Investment to give specific remonstrance to this vacation. Committee Chair Voorde opened the floor to members of the public wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to the legislation. There were none. Committee Chair Voorde turned the floor back to the Committee for further discussion or main motion. Committeemember Ferlic made a motion to send Bill No. 21-17 to the full Council with no recommendation. Committeemember Kelly seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of three (3) ayes and one (1) nay (Committeemember Jo M. Broden). Bill No. 23-17-Alley Vacation at Indiana and High Street(Pich) Andrew Pich, 717 E. Indiana Avenue, stated, I bought my house on a tax lien sale. I purchased the lot because I live at 721 E. Indiana Avenue. I noticed it wasn't taken care of much and I wanted to make it look a little better. I was thinking about off-street parking but was told I would then need a break in the curb. So my plan is to turn it into a driveway. Committee Chair Voorde turned the floor to the Committee for questions for the petitioner. Councilmember Dr. Varner asked, Have you spoken to your neighbors and is everyone alright with this? Mr. Pich confirmed he had done so and that everyone was aware and on board with his decision. Committee Chair Voorde noted that this would create a T-intersection that would require a radius area for turning. Mr. Pich confirmed the knowledge of that and gave a brief synopsis of the discussions had with the City's Engineering Department. 2