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the residents in the area who oppose the vacation. The resident on Norih Union Street and the <br /> permanent residents on North Edward had signed a petition objecting to the request. Rev. <br /> Kollross stated that St. Thomas has been at this location for 75 years. He stated that the new <br /> church did not appear on the map but was constructed 24 years ago. The neighborhood is served <br /> with the church's community center and the church has assisted many programs, such as <br /> Homework Hangout. <br /> Rev. Kollross stated that closing Hay Street and especially Union Street would be the wrong <br /> thing to do for the parishioners and for the community. He stated that denying this request <br /> would not stop the hospital from expanding or cost any jobs. <br /> Mr. Art Poshard was present and spoke against the petition stating that as a parishioner of St. <br /> Thomas he is not concerned with the growth of the hospital but the safety of the parishioners. He <br /> stated that denial of the petition would not oppose economic development. Mr.Poshard stated <br /> that St. John's in Springfield continues to grown in a high traffic area without vacation streets. <br /> He stated that Millikin University requested a street vacation which did not occur but the <br /> university continues to grow. <br /> Mr. Poshard stated that St. Thomas serves over 400 families as well as other gro�s. He <br /> expressed concern for Fire Department access to the church should there be an accident at the <br /> corner. He stated that it would be like boarding up the back door to the neighborhood. <br /> Mr. Keith Anderson, 861 West Macon,was present and spoke against the petition. Mr. <br /> Anderson, President of Homework Hangout, stated that the program does have a relationship <br /> with Decatur Memorial Hospital which is very much appreciated. They also have an important <br /> relationship with St. Thomas Church. Mr. Anderson stated that he is responsible five days a <br /> week for the safety of the youth and their family members participating in the program. He was <br /> concerned regarding emergency vehicle access should a situation occur and the one entrance <br /> would be blocked. Mr. Anderson stated that the appreciates economic development and <br /> recognizes that health care is very important but asked that the safety of those in the area remain <br /> a priority. <br /> Mr. Schiller stated that he had walked the site a couple of times and received input from various <br /> sources. He stated that there is no real logical reason not to vote for approval on the petition <br /> based on technical expertise. Mr.Schiller stated that he was not comfortable with the increase of <br /> 20 second in response time for emergency vehicles and stated that there should be a middle <br /> ground. He stated that he had strong reservations with passing the petition on to City Council for <br /> approval. <br /> Mr. Shampine stated that it is a difficult situation and a compromise should be reached. He <br /> stated that when there are difficult decisions to be made he looks to the report of staff. Mr. <br /> Shampine stated that time should be given for Decatur Memorial Hospital and St. Thomas <br /> Church to work things out for the betterment of the community. He suggested that Union Street <br /> remain open for five or six years. <br /> Rev. Kollross stated that he like the suggestion to postpone the vacation for five to six years. Mr. <br /> Shampine stated that is not what he recommended but that the petition would be approved and <br />