2001-82 VACATING PORTION OF STREETS - 2200 BLOCK NORTH UNION STREET - 300-500 BLOCKS WEST HAY STREET

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Union Street would remain open for five to six years to traffic. He stated that there should not be a delay in the vacation as the hospital �eds to expand. Rev. Kollross stated that a compromise was possible. Mr. Cochran stated that when the hospital requested a vacation there were four things agreed to by Decatur Memorial Hospital and it is not agreeable to postpone the closing of Union Street beyond three years. He stated that 180 parking stalls are presently being constructed. People will park and cross Union Street to access the facility. Three years are adequate to allow access. It is important to that the hospital be able to control pedestrian flow with jurisdiction over the right of way. Mr. William Hoffmann, 1711 Rock Drive, was present and spoke against the petition stating that people could walk 100 feet to Kenwood and cross at the light. He stated that the situation could be similar to the crosswalk with flashing lights at Millikin University or possible overpasses for pedestrian traffic. Mrs. Phyllis Howley, 2165 West Packard,was present and spoke against the petition stating if Decatur Memorial Hospital cannot build on Union Street why shouldn't it be left open. Mr. Smith asked if it was true that Union Street could not be built on. Mr.Krieger stated that the .- sewer would have to be relocated. Mrs. Washington asked if anyone at the City has seen a plan. Mr. Van Steenhuyse stated that he had not but a Planned Unit Development was expected very soon. Mrs. Washington stated that she was for progress but not at anyone's expense. She stated that she would vote no at this time. Mrs. Sands stated that it is important to support the progress of the one business that is growing and hiring at this time. She stated that business closings coupled with some City Council members stalling downtown progress shows that this support is vital to the community. Mrs.. Sands stated that she intended to support the hospital's efforts that will ultimately benefit the community. Mr. Anderson stated that he would like to see the Planned Unit Development before acting on the petition. Mr. Cochran stated that it was important to the hospital that the petition be acted on. He stated that the Plan Commission had never seen a Planned Unit Development for a street vacation. The McKinley-north vacation was the same type of vacation and a Planned Unit Development was not required. Mr. Cochran stated that the hospital has plans in the immediate future and their plans could be compromised with properties that they do not own. He stated that a ten year plan does not exist. Staff was asked to create an overlay district for hospitals and colleges. The parking lots are under construction and there are building plans for 302 West Hay building expansion. The hospital wants to continue to grow and provide important health care services.