05-27-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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REGULAR MEETING MAY 27, 2008 Councilmember Dieter stated that a brochure may be found on the railing in the Council Chambers explaining those procedures. PUBLIC HEARINGS BILL NO. 20-08 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL TO VACATE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: THE FIRST ALLEY TO BE VACATED IS THE FIRST EAST/WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF GOLDEN AVENUE FROM WOODWARD AVENUE TO THE FIRST NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY FOR A DISTANCE OF 120 FEET AND A WIDTH OF 14 FEET. THE SECOND ALLEY TO BE VACATED IS THE FIRST EAST/WEST ALLEY SOUTH OF GOLDEN AVENUE FROM RIVERSIDE DRIVE TO THE FIRST NORTH/SOUTH ALLEY FOR A DISTANCE OF 120 FEET AND A WIDTH OF 14 FEET Councilmember Varner made a motion to hear the substitute version of this bill. Councilmember White seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of eight (8) ayes. Councilmember LaFountain, Vice-Chairperson, Public Works and Property Vacation Committee, reported that this committee met this afternoon on this bill and sends it to the full Council with no recommendation due to the lack of a quorum. Mr. Michael Neises, 1043 Riverside Drive, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill. Mr. Neises advised that he and his wife desired an older home and they got the impression that South Bend was making a renewed commitment to its neighborhoods that’s what led them to leave the Granger, Indiana area and move in August of 2006 and purchase a previous rented property at 1043 Riverside Drive. Mr. Neises stated that the one undesirable feature of the property is a cross-alley on the north side of the property, particularly because his home sits right on the alley without any buffer. He stated that his side door literally opens on the alley, with the risk of being hit by a vehicle when opening the door or stepping out of the entryway. Traffic moves too fast, and is of a “cut through” nature is generally unsafe. He and his wife are concerned as they get older and when they have their grandchildren over. Mr. Neises stated that privacy and safety are of great concern. The alley gives access to individuals to their side and back yards, making them feel very vulnerable at times. There have been times when teenage boys just hang out in the alley, literally right under their windows. He urged the Council to vote favorably on this bill. th Mr. Gary Gilot, Director, Board of Public Works, 13 Floor County-City Building, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the Board of Public Works is in favor of this bill, subject to a cross-access easement agreement. Mr. Gilot stated that they received a copy of that this afternoon and suggest to the Council that if they choose to recommend favorably to make their motion to approve subject to recording the cross access easement agreement. Council President Rouse asked if there was a record of how many calls for service were logged at this location. Mr. Gilot stated that he did not have that information and that he cannot quantify that data and stated that he had qualitative antidotal reports. Kathleen Cekanski Farrand pointed out that on Section V. on page 2 of the proposed ordinance makes it contingent upon the recording of the cross access easement and also 2