03-26-01 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 26, 2001 Mr. Jim Kowalski, 57170 Pine View, South Bend, Indiana, informed the Council that he is the Director of Athletics at Adams High School. He noted that research supports that the number of students who participate in extra curricular activities will decrease when these activities are conducted off campus. Mr. Kowalski stated the site plan tries to improve on what they already have. Ms. Vickie Murphy, 1008 Victory Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, stated that this project will help thousands of people who go through Adams High School. Closing Greenlawn and expanding the school will be an asset to the east side and it will prevent more residents from exiting the east side of South Bend and moving to the east side of St. Joseph County. Ms. Ashlynne Harris, 1607 Devon Circle, South Bend, Indiana, indicated that she is a senior at Adams High School and President of the Student Council. On behalf of the Adams High School students she expressed her hope and support for the closing of Greenlawn Avenue in order to build on site athletic facilities with the renovated John Adams High School. If athletic facilities are not on site, this measure would affect over two hundred (200) student athletes. Not only would they have to be bused to all competitions but all practices would require busing as well. This will greatly affect student participation in sports and school spirit. The John Adams community has always been known for its tremendous support and Eagle pride. Keeping athletic facilities on site would encourage student morale, participation and spirit. Also, Greenlawn is known to be a high speed area for drivers to cut through and can be dangerous. The following individuals spoke in opposition to this bill. Mr. Mike Gamble, 513 South 30"' Street, South Bend, Indiana, informed the Council that he represents the River Park Neighborhood Association who opposes the Greenlawn closing. He noted that he serves on the Board and chairs the Infrastructure Committee. Mr. Gamble stated that public property should remain public property. Not everyone is into athletics or has children in school that are involved. The portion of the park that is in question is the only open space area. He inquired who will determine when citizens will be allowed access to their park through the shared space plan. It appears that the public can only use the facilities when Adams High School athletes or the band or anyone else is not using the park. That is not what the park was intended for. Mr. Gamble noted that in 1910 the City of Mishawaka proposed to annex River Park. That action was opposed and was successful. As part of that original annexation Resolution, the park was dedicated to the City as a park and park property for the future. In conclusion, Mr. Gamble stated that the park should remain a park and Greenlawn should remain open. Ms. Joyce Harrington, 1604 Hoover Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she opposes the closing of Greenlawn and is not alone in that opposition. She presented a petition containing over one hundred (100) signatures of individuals opposed to the closing of Greenlawn. While gathering names for the petitions she heard many concerns which she shared. There is a concern for the safety of children on Wall Street especially east of Greenlawn. Closing this street will increase both traffic flow and speed because Wall Street will be the only through street between Jefferson and Mishawaka. It will become the only access to the park. Children crossing from one side to the other will be at risk as they dash back and forth often from between parked cars. There are no sidewalks on Wall Street. All pedestrians along Wall Street will be forced to walk in the street. Wall Street is a narrow residential street and cannot take the increase in traffic and speed. Ms. Harrington further advised that people are also concerned about parking. The Wall Street residents were disturbed about the angled parking along Wall across from their homes and they worry about their property values. Many were upset about the loss of parking along Greenlawn. Since most of the people parking there now are not high school students but are park patrons, IUSB faculty, staff or students, there will be an increase of parking on the residential streets. This is particularly true during the summer months when there are many activities in the park. Another concern was not only the loss of Greenlawn but also park land and green space. People are unhappy that large open green space is being partitioned into several specialized areas as they use the open area. The idea of shared idea was not accepted. People who live near by questioned when the space will be shared since it will be used by the school from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with band practice, physical education and after school sports. In June it is often used by the band and in August it will be used for football. Traffic control in the area will become a nightmare if Greenlawn is vacated. It is not only the major entrance to the park but the only north south street between Ironwood and