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

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: � . Decatur City Plan Commission July 1, 1999 Page Eight at the plan of Millikin as a place for his children to grow and as potential for the neighborhoods to become integrated which will have good long term implications. Mr. Jim Alpi, Director of Capital Programs for the Decatur Housing Authority, was present and spoke in favor of the petition noting that examples of improvements in the axea had been given. Mr. Alpi stated that Decatur Housing Authority owns a 58 room facility for the elderly and physically and developmentally disabled individuals in this area. When The Woods was developed there were many deteriorating structures that were removed and activities such as drug dealing were no longer being conducted at those locations. Mr. Alpi stated then Macon Street was closed and it was nothing but positive for the residents of the facility. Traffic was moved to the arterial streets which resulted in quieter residential areas. Mr. Alpi stated that Millikin University has brought stability to the neighborhood. Mrs. Gina Dingman, 254 Park Place, was present and spoke in favor of the petition noting the benefits to the west end. Mrs. Dingman stated that University Plaza is completely leased and there is much more interest in Fairview Plaza. Mr. Michael Se�rton, 1536 West Riverview, was present and spoke in favor of the petition stating that he is a frequent user of Decatur Street but does not see a problem with using Lincoln Park Drive. He stated that it was the consensus of his neighborhood group that this was good for the area. There were objectors present: Mr. Les Nichols, 1839 West Riverview, was present and spoke against the petition stating that he uses Decatur Street often and is opposed to closing it. Mr. Nichols stated that he appreciates the efforts of Millikin University and the proposed sports complex, however, the university should have to follow the same ordinances as others. He stated that planning must have dropped the ball if there is not enough parking at The Woods and questioned why the petition was before Plan Commission if it was already heard by Tra�c and Parking Commission. Mr. Nichols questioned what happened to the retention facility. He stated that there are piles of dirt on the north and south sides of Decatur Street and no containment of silt run off. He expressed concern that there should be more attention paid to the environment. Mr. Charles Smith, 1945 West Forrest, was present and spoke against the petition stating that he had collected over 500 petitions in objection to this street vacation. Mr. Smith stated that the railroad underpass serves the general public well. He stated that West Wood Street had unsafe railroad tracks.