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 Ten Millikin University has conducted a major program of land acquisition to the south of the campus, buying dozens of properties, many of them dilapidated. The attractiveness and viability of the West Decatur neighborhood is due in no small part to the presence of Millikin University and its amenities. These acquisitions include many properties along Wood and Macon and they specifically include all properties, except one, on both sides of Decatur Street. The safety and traffic issues were reviewed at the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting on June 9 and need not be recited here—Decatur Street is not a busy thoroughfare, and its traffic can be safely and efficiently diverted. Nevertheless, the closure of this street will cause inconvenience to some motorists. Staff recommends approval of this petition as proposed. Mr. Matt Newell, Traffic Engineer for the City of Decatur, was present and answered questions regarding the proposed street closing. Mr. Newell stated traffic counts indicated 3,670 trips east of Oakland Avenue and 1,370 trips west of Oakland Avenue on Decatur Street. He noted that Macon Street was recently closed and traffic volume did not significantly change on Wood Street. Mr. Newell stated that to increase capacity on Forrest the street would be made into a smoother surface but there is a question as to whether or not that is necessary. He stated that Wood and Main Streets have the capacity to carry any misplaced traffic from Decatur Street. Mr. Shampine questioned the route of emergency vehicles and access. Mr. Newell stated that should the City determine that improvements are needed then the improvements will be made. Both the Fire and Police Departments voted in favor of the street closure. The Fire Department does not use Decatur Street as a response route. Discussion focused on the increase of traffic due to the proposed sports complex. Mr. Newell stated that traffic will increase and be similar to that of school tra.ffic. High tra,f�c times would be outside of the peak traffic times of the city. Mr. Shampine questioned what type of economic development projects might occur. Mr. A. J. Krieger, Director of Economic Development for the City of Decatur, stated that following planning meetings for the sports complex City staff and representatives of Millikin University will continue to meet to deternune further improvements in the area. Mr. John stated that the sports complex is a wonderful project and the development of The Woods was positive as well. He stated that the railroad underpass on Decatur Street is rare in a community and should not be given up noting that it would be hard to undo in the future. Mr. John expressed concern with pedestrian access and children going to and coming from the sports complex.