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

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letters were received from Dr. Sharon Bond and James Masey (located on the south side of Hay) . agreeing to the vacation and purchase by Decatur Memorial Hospital. I.etters were mailed to residents located on North Union Street between West Hay and West Harrison Avenue by the petitioner informing them of the hospital's intent to vacate the streets. A single call was received as a result of the mailing requesting that the tra�c be monitored at the intersection of West Harrison Avenue and North Union Street to determine if a four-way stop would be required. The City of Decatur will be granted a permanent easement for access on Hay Street between North Monroe Street and North Edward Street. Hay Street will remain as the access for the emergency room entrance. The closing of North Union Street will not have an adverse impact on emergency vehicles responding to calls in the area. In most cases, emergency response will be dispatched from both the Main Street and the Christine Drive stations. The changes in response due to closing off Union at Hay is an increase in response of 20 seconds to Truck 2 from the Brettwood Village Fire Station. This is the only company that would be affected. Utility letters have been received from Illinois Power,Ameritech and Insight Communications stating agreement with the vacation and requesting that ingress and egress easements be reserved - for utility maintenance. The public right of way does not appear necessary to serve the general public. Staff is of the opinion that the besf interests of the City of Decatur would be served by approving the right of way vacation request. Staff recommends approval of the petition. Mr. Shampine asked if the Fire Department also asked for right of way for emergency access. Ms. Miller stated that the Fire Department asked that the pavement remain paved to allow fire trucks access. Mr. Smith stated that the fire station at Christine drive would respond first, taking 20 more � seconds if the vacation were approved. Ms. Miller stated that was conect. Mr. Phillip Cochran, Consulting Engineer,was present and spoke for the petition representing Decatur Memorial Health Foundation. Mr.Cochran stated that this is a very important request as the hospital continues to grow. Decatur Memorial Hospital is the third largest employer in the City submitting this $11 million dollar project. Due to the expansion of the existing building, several parking spaces will be eliminated. Mr.Cochran met in September, 2001 with City staff regarding the plans and importance of building the pazking lot before bad weather. There would be a new parking lot on the east side of Kenwood Avenue. Mr. Cochran stated that staff had requested a Planned Unit Development which will be submitted in the next few weeks. It is very important to have the parking lot constructed so the bulding can be worked on through the winter months. Mr. Cochran stated that the hospital has great sensitivity to this issue with the church and at the Tr�c and Parking Commission meeting. St. Thomas Church is concemed that the northeast access will be eliminated. There would be an easement on Monroe, through Edward Street and into the church.