99-73 VACATING PORTION OF A STREET - 1100 AND 1200 BLOCKS OF WEST DECATUR STREET

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Decatur City Plan Commission July l, 1999 Page Seven It was moved and seconded (Schiller/Anderson)to forward Cal. No. 99-54 to City Council with recommendation for approval as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Ca1. No. 99-51 Petition of MII.,LIKIN LTNIVERSITY to vacate Decatur Street from Oakland Avenue to Fairview Avenue. Mr. Terry Bush, Vice President of Marketing and Community Affairs at Millikin University, was I�, present and spoke for the petition. A map was displayed. Mr. Bush stated that student ' apartments have been built; property was cleared for the recreational center; and Millikin ' University intends to continue to stabilize the area. Properties south of Forrest and east of the railroad tracks will not be bought and there will not be any future requests for street closings. The proposed recreational fields are not only for the Millikin students but are also for the community. Mr. Bush stated that there has been increased value for the houses on Wood Street and Decatur Street since Millikin began their improvements. He stated that closing Decatur Street will inconvenience some residents although the street is not heavily used. He noted that those signing the petition to object to the vacation had in some instances signed more than once or there were signatures from persons not living in the area. Mr. Bush stated that he had driven in the area as though the street were closed and noticed a time variance of one minute. Mr. Shampine questioned whether a street closure would result in a fence or would the property be open to pedestrian and bike traffic. Mr. Bush stated that there would be no fence. The area would be intended for pedestrians. Mr. Shampine questioned what improvements had been made on the east side of Fairview Avenue by Millikin University. Mr. Bush stated that historic lighting would be continued down Fairview Avenue. The property being acquired at Forrest and the railroad tracks will be left as green space. Mrs. Claudia Williams, President of the Near West Restoration and Preservation Society (]VWRAPS), was present and spoke in favor of the petition stating that Mr. Bush had spent time with her organization discussing the issues of closing Decatur Street. NWRAPS supports the efforts of Millikin University to improve the area and economic development. Mrs. Williams stated that the overall appearance of the area has greatly improved. There are stores and facilities in the area that residents can walk to. Property values have improved. Mr. Robert Hironimus-Wendt, of 541 South McClellan, was present and stated that he teaches at Millikin University but wanted to speak as the father of his four children. He stated that he looks